Stephen A. Smith is stepping into the conversation surrounding Michael Jordan after a viral clip from the Daytona 500 sparked debate online.
During a recent episode of Straight Shooter, Smith addressed criticism aimed at Jordan over an interaction with a young fan at the high-profile NASCAR event. While social media users questioned the moment, Smith urged the public to be cautious before judging the NBA legend’s character.
“You should be very hesitant to impute the integrity of certain people who have accomplished as much as MJ,” Smith said, defending Jordan’s reputation and legacy.
Jordan, widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, has long maintained a larger-than-life presence both on and off the court. Smith’s comments highlight the broader conversation about how quickly viral moments can shape public perception — especially when it comes to iconic figures.
As the debate continues online, Smith made it clear: legacy matters, and context is everything.
