ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith was so livid over what he saw from Russell Westbrook in Game 3 of the Western Conference quarterfinals that he went straight to the NBA’s league office.
Smith felt that Westbrook should have been suspended for multiple incidents in Game 3, including one in which the Clippers guard fouled Dallas’ Josh Green hard while Green was going for a layup. Smith also cited the incident in which Westbrook grabbed Luka Doncic by the arm, which he argued could have led to a separated shoulder. Even though Westbrook picked up two technicals and was ejected, Smith felt that was not enough.
"Inexcusable behavior… And I don't know why this isn't being talked about enough… I was of the mindset that Russell Westbrook deserved to be suspended for today's game. That's how appalling his game was."
Stephen A. Smith on Russ' Game 3 showing.pic.twitter.com/q3VMAX51Di
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) April 28, 2024
“I felt so serious about this, I called the league office. And I said, ‘I need an explanation. Tell me why Russell Westbrook wasn’t suspended,'” Smith said. “I was told that the referees gave their report, and every indication in writing that they provided said, ‘We handled this. He got a couple of technicals, plus a flagrant one, plus he was ejected, plus no one was injured. So we took all those things into consideration. That’s why we didn’t suspend him.’ And I stood down. I said that makes total sense.”
Smith was called out by some for calling the league office over this, but he fired back on social media by arguing that it was common practice among most media members.
I said it. And I damn sure meant it because of his play on Friday. Knowing the league office would’ve normally suspended anyone for this, I called to ask why this was different. They explained& I get it. For those tripping that I called the league, it’s my damn job. All of us… https://t.co/0PwjbZksfo
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) April 28, 2024
…..who cover the league called the league office all the time. Podcasters may not. Some pundits may not. But those of us who’ve reported throughout our careers REPORT and get verification. That is what we do! https://t.co/HyrBeRQ1uI
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) April 28, 2024
Smith is right that he isn’t the first media member to seek clarification from the league office. It is still a bit weird to see someone who veers from analysis into opinion to hot takes being that involved, however. At least we know he actually watched the game, because some certainly questioned his Knicks credentials recently, and for good reason.
