Stephen A. Smith Blasts Bryce Harper, Says MLB Should Suspend Him
Bryce Harper may have gone too far this time, and Stephen A. Smith is not letting it slide.
The First Take host is demanding that Major League Baseball take action against the Philadelphia Phillies star after reports of a heated locker room encounter with commissioner Rob Manfred. According to ESPN, Harper told Manfred to “get the [expletive] out” during a confrontation last week.
The exchange reportedly stemmed from rumors that the MLB is considering a salary cap, a topic Harper clearly opposes.
Read More: Stephen A. Smith Still Objects to ESPN Suspension Over Comments
“You Can’t Talk to the Commissioner Like That”
On Wednesday’s episode of First Take, Chris Russo vented about Harper’s behavior. But it was Stephen A. who took things a step further, calling for discipline.
“I love Bryce Harper, I really, really do,” Smith said. “But I’m not gonna lie to you, you can’t confront the commissioner like that and talk to him like that. That’s just flat-out disrespect.”
Smith emphasized that while players have every right to voice concerns, there’s a line and Harper crossed it.
“To have an authoritative figure like that be disrespected like that? I’m sorry.”
Media Reaction Piles On
Smith wasn’t alone. Dan Patrick also criticized Harper’s actions on The Dan Patrick Show:
“Who are you? You got your money. You’re good. Maybe you’re fighting for others, but this is the commissioner of the game. I was disappointed. I was embarrassed for him.”
Despite the backlash, MLB has yet to comment publicly or suggest any punishment is coming. But with media pressure building, a suspension might not be off the table.
Harper hasn’t addressed the incident publicly, but if the league acts, the fallout could send shockwaves through both the clubhouse and the next round of labor negotiations.
Read More: 10 Reasons Why MLB Fans Have Had Enough of Bryce Harper
