ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith has never been one to mince words, and his recent remarks about Saquon Barkley’s golf outing with former President Donald Trump were no exception. After images surfaced of Barkley enjoying a round of golf with Trump, many fans and public figures, including comedian D.L. Hughley, criticized the Philadelphia Eagles running back for associating with the controversial figure.
Stephen A. Smith, speaking on his podcast, addressed the uproar directly.
“To some people, ignorance is bliss,” he said. “Not everybody is woke. Not everybody gives a damn.”
According to Smith, the backlash surrounding Barkley’s choice to play with Trump is misplaced. Noting that Barkley may simply have wanted to enjoy a game of golf without attaching political meaning to it.
Barkley’s Response and Stephen A. Smith’s Broader Message
Barkley, for his part, clapped back on social media, stating that he has played golf with both Barack Obama and Donald Trump, and would love to complete the trio with President Biden.
“It’s about respecting the office, not the politics,” Barkley emphasized.
Stephen A. Smith supported this stance to a degree, arguing that the political assumptions we attach to athletes can be unfair. “I’m not saying it’s right. I’m saying that’s where some people are,” he added. Smith’s dig wasn’t just at Barkley’s critics. It was also subtly directed at Trump. This suggests that not everyone who engages with the former president necessarily endorses his policies or persona.
Smith has been known to criticize Trump openly in the past, but in this case, his message was more reflective of how the political and cultural spotlight has shifted onto athletes. The golf outing reignited long-standing questions about how public figures navigate relationships in politically polarized environments.
Why This Matters Beyond the NFL
The Barkley-Trump golf game isn’t just an NFL issue, it speaks to the broader landscape of American sports. Athletes across all leagues, from the NBA to the NHL, are increasingly scrutinized for their personal relationships and public behavior. The NHL, for instance, has had its own internal struggles with political expression. Which includes controversies surrounding Pride Night participation and vaccine mandates.
Smith’s commentary, though centered on Barkley, applies broadly: Are athletes allowed to just play, or must every choice be political? The answer is murky. But as the public continues to debate the role of politics in sports. figures like Stephen A Smith will remain central voices in shaping that conversation.
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