Stephen A. Smith is under fire for calling the NBA league office and demanding to know why Russell Westbrook was not suspended for being the aggressor in an altercation during the playoff game.
Westbrook, a substitute guard for the Los Angeles Clippers, got into a shoving and swinging match with the Dallas Maverick Luca Doncid and P.J. Washington and was subsequently ejected. With the Mavs already with a comfortable lead in the 4th quarter, the Mavs went on to win 116-111.
PJ Washington got cheers and a standing O after being ejected along with Westbrook (who got double techs) after this skirmish. #Mavs #MFFL #NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/GbZSXChxsN
— Dorothy J. Gentry (@DorothyJGentry) April 27, 2024
Westbrook finished Game 3 with a weird stat line of just one point on 1-of-7 shooting and was also charged with a flagrant foul. The one flagrant foul, two technicals, and one point have only ever been previously accomplished by former NBA player Kendrick Perkins, according to ESPN.
Stephen A. Smith unapologetically called the NBA on Russell Westbrook
Smith was outraged that Westbrook was not suspended for the next game. With Westbrook’s return to the court, the Clippers won Game 4 to tie the first-round series at two games apiece.
“I called the league office and I said, ‘I need an explanation. Tell me why Russell Westbrook wasn’t suspended?’” Smith said. “Inexcusable behavior, that’s what I saw, and I don’t know why this isn’t being talked about enough, to be quite honest with you. I was of the mindset that Russell Westbrook deserved to be suspended for today’s game. That’s how appalling his game was.”
"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
After the segment aired, many fans on social media accused Smith of snitching on Westbrook for his decision to call the league office. Gillie da King, Metro Boomin, Kendrick Perkins, Damian Lillard, and other celebrities slammed Smith for going to the league.
Smith, after being trashed for a few hours, eventually addressed the backlash in a tweet on Sunday night.
“I said it. And I d— sure meant it because of his play on Friday … For those tripping that I called the league, it’s my d— job. All of us …”
Fans rip Stephen A. Smith for trying to get Westbrook banished for a game
Others on social media also flamed Smith for taking it to the next level to get Westbrook thrown out of a game.
It's your job to question and discuss, but calling the league office. Come on, man. You pretty much called HR on the man.
— Lewis Pike (@LewisPike_) April 28, 2024
Exactly, he is trying to mess with someones money & not mention impact the series, very weak move StephanA!
— Hadnet Neguse (@HNeguse) April 29, 2024
u would never do this if it was someone on the knicks
— Revengeful (@Revngeful) April 28, 2024
