4:55pm Eastern
I’m sure many Raptors’ fans right now are wondering what the “A” stands for in Stephen A. Smith’s name. And if they don’t know … they’re coming up with their own words and theories, no doubt.
But here’s my take on things …
The two most ‘inflammatory’ comments from Smith were: (a) calling Bosh and the Raptors “soft”. He said they’re like “Cottonelle”. And, (b) Chris looks like “a skinny Manute Bol with dreadlocks”
Let’s deal with these two comments separately.
First of all, I have no problem with Smith calling the Raptors “soft”. I guess it all depends on your definition of the word - at least as it pertains to a basketball team or player. But I think many people - from coaches, to media, to fans have said that Toronto needs to get tougher; they need to have more tenacity and attitude on both ends of the floor. If that loosely translates to them being “soft” … then … so be it.
Personally, I believe Bosh is one of the tougher players the Raptors have … in that he does go down low; he is one of the few guys that rebounds the basketball; and despite constant double and triple teams … he still manages to put up 20-25-30 points each night and burn defenders with his versatility time and time again.
But does the team need to get tougher? Yes. So, chalk one up for Stephen A. (or at least … half of one).
However, his second comment - about Bosh’s hair and his figure - is completely bogus and out of line.
The media has become more about “entertainment” than journalism; I’ll be the first to admit that. You have to engage the audience in TV and radio. Lines are crossed all of the time - between what the “story” truly is … versus what will actually “sell”.
But personal attacks on somebody’s appearance show a lack of respect and integrity. They show a lack of knowledge and insight. In my opinion, Stephen A. just tainted the industry.
If you want to talk about Bosh’s game; how good or bad he is as a player … fine. But on a national outlet like ESPN … what difference does it make if Chris Bosh looks like Manute Bol (which he doesn’t) or what kind of hairstyle he wears?
As a guy that didn’t play or coach in the NBA, I know I have my critics. Some people like the work I do; some people don’t like the work I do. But I can tell you … I work my butt off to stay on top of stories; to talk to coaches, scouts, players, and management types … so that I stay on top of the “news”. I’m always learning.
My analysis on the FAN 590 broadcasts and insight is based on gaining knowledge of what is expected versus what the final outcome actually is. I can tell you why a play did or didn’t work. I can tell you if somebody was in the right or wrong place. I can talk about different defensive plays or match-ups, or weigh-in on why I think a coach did or didn’t play a guy a certain time of the game. Again, some like the work I do … some don’t.
But what kind of broadcaster would I be … and what kind of respect would I have from the viewers and listeners if I simply went on the air and talked about (for example) how bushy somebody’s beard is … or how unattractive a certain player may be.
That’s not basketball. That’s not analysis. That’s JUVENILE.
Stephen A. just set guys like me back a few pegs for his immaturity and his poor attempt at “humor”. In fact, he set us all back. Because … even if that had been a “former player” or “former coach” to make that comment … it still wouldn’t make what was said any better. It would still be lame and in bad taste.
And the sad thing is … we’re talking about THIS … instead of GAME ONE!
Brutal.
E. Smith
Great read, I totally agree. I hope this is just extra motivation for CB4 to prove himself against Orlando tomorrow!
- SamyAMEN E SMITH AMEN
- Raps4lifeRight on,Im a huge fan of yours and im from montreal.I completely agree with your analysis.Since when has basketball been about looks and such.Chris Bosh is probably one of the most humble players in the league.Why take a cheap shot at him? Bosh is also alot more articulate and intelligent then Stephen a Smith so it wouldnt suprise me if he took his place later down the road.
- martinWhat I am about to say will get me banned from your blog forever Eric.
So I wont say it.
On the “A” questions, the A in Stephens name rhymes with Gas.
I hope this lit a fuel under the Raptors and CB.
- Brandon in TorontoGood article and can’t agree with you any more that. Stephen A. Smith is a terrible analyst IMO and I lost all my respect for him with that Bosh comment. Bosh doesnt look like Bol.
- Ragun VisuvanathanIf Bosh plays with aggression and purpose. If Bosh leads his team by driving to the rim and making the foul shots. If Bosh uses his agility and aggression on defense who cares what anyone says. Bosh is defining himself.
I personally think losing is better so we can get rid of Mitchell and get a real coach. Who knows the new coach may even play Humphries and hire someone to teach Andrea the low poll rather than a third year as a shooting guard?
- MilesIn the big game of life the best players are always attacked the most. The fact they are attacking Bosh’s looks is probably a compliment to Bosh’s game.
- MilesI have noticed that every time analysts from the United States talk about the raptors, all they mention are the obvious things like the raptors’ good three point shooting and their soft play. This idiotic comment about Bosh by Smith is a perfect example of him not being educated on the Raptors. This proves that most people south of the border do not watch Raptor games and instead of watching them, they just listen to what people are saying and use that. The Raptors are soft, that is a fact, but it would be good to add something to that. He had nothing else to say about the Raptors so instead, he makes fun of a man who works hard every game and is one of the most respected players in the NBA.
- Avioff topic here
but why are the Jazz the 4th Seed but playing game 1 against #5 seed houston in Houston?
Also does the NBA re-seed in the playoffs or will the Toronto-Orlando winner play the Detroit-Philly winnner no matter what
- Cary CI agree, E. When Chris’ blog was first put up yesterday, everyone was wondering what the comments could’ve been for him to comment on them so publicly. I figured he ripped the Raptors - which they may or may not deserve - but the personal attacks on Chris Bosh were totally unwarranted and is it really surprising coming from Stephen “Let me yell as loud as I can when I have nothing of substance to say” Smith? We SHOULD be talking about Game 1 - not this garbage. He ruins journalism for the good guys.
- Mark R.Eric Smith is a good broadcaster and Stephen A Smith is a clown. What is the difference other then the obvious ones. Fan 590 and ESPN that is all. The sad thing is just because you get the letters E S P N behind your name it gives you a larger audience to say whatever stupid thought that caomes out of your mouth. In my Blog I called Smith of ESPN a Tabloid Trash Sports Journalist. While Eric I call one of the best evaluators of the Raptors. I say it not just because he has been good to me personally but because it is fact. All that said if you asked me if i’d be talking about Manute Bol again ever in context of Raptors I’d have said your crazy. Keep up the good work Eric your proof that letters behind the name don’t matter it is what you say that counts.
James The Dino Nation Blogger
- James BorbathChris Bosh is one of the best leaders and role models for kids involved in basketball. Such a comment put on Bosh slaps him in the face for both his technical and leadership accomplishments in the NBA.
- StevenHe’s a public figure. Sometimes people talk trash about public figures. Generally, those remarks reflect on the speaker, not on the target.
Moving along…
- EllieTotally classless move by Stephen A. Smith. Personally, I think the comments come from an anti-Toronto/Canada sentiment that runs rampant within ESPN. Stephen A. (or anyone else) wouldn’t pick other All-Star players with a slim build (e.g. Kevin Garnett).
- RichardCary - Because Utah was a division winner but they had a worse record than San Antonio and Houston. So they lose #3 to the Spurs and they lose home court to the Rockets. However, as a division winner, they can’t fall lower than 4TH … (i.e. - 6TH, 7TH, or 8TH) because they’d be playing another divisional winner … and two divisional winners cannot meet in the FIRST ROUND
- E. Smith