Jamie Foxx Criticizes Stephen A. Smith For Calling Out Ben Simmons

Multi-faceted entertainer Jamie Foxx has spoken out recently about the way ESPN‘s Stephen A. Smith has called out Brooklyn Nets basketball player, Ben Simmons for him not playing basketball this season.

Sports announcer Smith has been criticized for how he speaks about and to Black athletes and for not having the same energy for white athletes. He recently went after Brooklyn Nets basketball player Ben Simmons saying him not playing basketball this season is “one of the most pathetic situations I’ve ever seen in my life.”

After his latest rant over the weekend pertaining to Simmons, The Shade Room has reported that Foxx responded to Smith’s statements on the media outlet’s Instagram account.

“That is completely unfair @bensimmons has a family this man has people that love him and this man just plays basketball but to be dragged through the mud like this is unfair…and why is it @stephenasmith you only go at basketball players. You completely mute when it comes to the Tom Bradys the Aaron Rodgers of the world… You get where I’m going… stop it bruh it’s out of bounds.”

According to the New York Post, Smith responded to his friend about his comment on The Shade Room page. On First Take, Smith starts off by stating he and Foxx are close friends and he went on to compliment the comedian for his talent. Then, he starts to discredit his sports info as he stated that Foxx has “no credibility when it comes to sports” — because he’s a Dallas Cowboys fan.

“Jamie Foxx knows better,” Smith said on the program. “He’s just highly protective of the black athlete, as he should be because they deserve our protection in a lot of situations. Jamie Foxx knows good and damn well it ain’t got nothing to do with brotherhood for me. I protect brothers all the damn time, trust you me, it’s what I DON’T say that proves my protection.”

Smith disputes the claims that he doesn’t go after white athletes in the same way he does at Black athletes.

“I’m only supposed to be complimentary?” he asked. “I’m calling out a Kyrie [Irving] and a Ben Simmons because of their impact and effect on the black athlete. When you go to the collective bargaining table, and [the owners] use them as an example to try to minimize their contribution to players, that’s about those players. That’s about the black athlete.”