Former ESPN host Jason Fitz didn’t like Stephen A. Smith’s comments about Memphis — and called him out for it.
Fitz, who worked on ESPN’s digital side and the radio, claimed that Smith is often unprepared during an appearance during an appearance on 92.9 ESPN in Memphis on Tuesday following the “First Take” host’s controversial comments on the Tennessee city.
Smith said on the show that while Memphis is a great sports town some NBA starts don’t feel safe there.,
“But there’s an element there where cats like Jimmy Butler and others don’t feel it’s the safest environment. I’m talking to the local authorities in Memphis,” Smith said. “You’ve got to clean some of that stuff up because it’s dissuasive to NBA players. They have talked about it. I know. They’ve told me.”
Fitz responded by calling out Smith’s preparedness.
“Stephen A. is one of the least prepared people I’ve ever worked with in my entire career,” Fitz said.
Fitz mentioned how he often worked 80-hour weeks during his final fall with the network before being laid off in 2023, questioning how Smith would have time to generate informed opinions on Memphis.
“Now, Stephen A. is busier than I ever was. We see him making content 24/7,” Fitz said. “So, I guess my question to people in Memphis is: how much Memphis do you think he’s actually absorbed? And I mean all of it. Memphis culture, Memphis basketball.
“What the hell does Stephen A. know about the city of Memphis? And the answer to that is only what his friends or his people on his phone, tweet him, or text him. That’s all he knows. He is so separated from actual reality. What does he know?”
Fitz also claimed that Smith “eats and breathes stereotypes,” while also saying that he likely has not watched a Grizzlies game in years.
“Stephen A. walks and talks and lives and eats and breathes stereotypes,” Fitz said. “That’s all he knows… Frankly, he has to talk about the city of Memphis because my guy hasn’t watched a single Memphis basketball game in probably three years.”
“Stephen A. has a staff and info group that feeds him information so that he can have somewhat informed opinions, and they’re usually not because he works too hard to actually watch any games,” added Fitz.
Memphis Mayor Paul Young extended Smith an invitation to the city, and the ESPN personality accepted.
“Deeply appreciate your words and the sentiments that came with them,” Smith wrote on X on Thursday. “Progress is what life is all about and when it comes to Memphis -where some dear friends of mine reside − I wish for nothing less. The people deserve nothing less.
“So with that said, I accept your invitation to come to your city, as your guest. Let’s make it happen. I’m looking forward to it.”