Terrell Owens wants answers from ESPN. The Hall of Fame receiver asked why the network hasn’t suspended Stephen A. Smith over his Lane Johnson comments.
What We Know: Johnson announced his retirement on Tuesday, October 6, citing his mental health and family. The next morning, Smith questioned that decision on First Take, noting it came four games into the season. Later that day, he tried to clarify his remarks on his SiriusXM show. The following day, after outrage spread across the internet, Smith opened First Take to apologize for his comments. However, Owens believes the apology was not enough and Smith should have faced a suspension for his comments.
What They Said: (all quotes via Get To The Point Podcast):
Terrell Owens questions why Stephen A. Smith gets a pass from his employers for comments about mental health: “I don’t understand how there are no consequences to Stephen A.’s actions. Especially with ESPN and Disney being the corporations they are. For him to speak so insensitively about a topic like mental health the way he did. Why isn’t he suspended?”
Terrell Owens believes Stephen A. Smith is smarter than what was said: “For him to speak so recklessly to a guy. Then try to backtrack and say he’s had mental health issues. If you knew that, then you’re smart enough not to speak on something that’s affecting millions of people and something that’s a very sensitive topic.”
Terrell Owens says Stephen A. Smith doesn’t understand the mental tolls of a football player: “To feel like you have a microphone and a platform and be reckless with your words. He’s never played football. His mental is not the same as a football player’s mental. His stresses or whatever he’s going through leading to where he is sitting behind [a desk] getting paid by ESPN. That don’t compare to what a football player has to deal with.”
What Remains Unclear: ESPN has not announced any discipline for Smith. Whether the network will respond to Owens remains unclear. Smith, however, has maintained that ESPN did not force his apology.
What It Means: The backlash by Owens and others shows how quickly mental health commentary can follow a host beyond one show. For ESPN, Smith remains one of its most valuable voices. Yet critics like Owens will keep the pressure on. Smith likely will not face any additional discipline for his comments, whether that’s acceptable for Owens or not.
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