STEPHEN A. Smith is enjoying a well-deserved break from his broadcasting duties at ESPN.
But the First Take star says his vacation was ruined by Richard Jefferson’s garish burgundy jacket on NBA Today.
Stephen A. cares so much about Jefferson’s wardrobe choice – that he called for the former NBA star to be suspended from the sports network.
“OMG. I’m sitting here on vacation, minding my own business, relaxing while watching @ESPNNBA,” Stephen A. wrote on social media.
“And I’m almost blinded by this jacket @Rjeff24 is wearing.
“A suspension should be discussed just for him to use it on air.”
Read more about Stephen A. Smith
The social media post was published at the end of Monday’s NBA Today.
As the tweet was read, Jefferson immediately responded, “Well, just go about your business.”
Jefferson then explained that his two sons chose his outfit for the show.
He continued, “You know what, I’m not going to quote Kendrick Lamar, but as a black father here, my kids came to work today.
“My two sons decided to go to work with daddy… all of this was in my closet.”
One son said he thought the jacket would make him look “smart.”
The NBA star added: “Their mother is English, so ‘smart’ means making you look good – that’s an English term.”
He then had a goodbye shot at Stephen A. as the show ended.
“Stephen A., I’m just being a good dad and letting my kids choose – and you got anything to say about that, bro?” he said.
“Well, boys, I guess we’ll have to talk to the man.”
His children then said in unison, “Yes, Stephen A.!”
NBA fans had a lot of fun with the humorous exchange between Stephen A. and Jefferson.
“That jacket is fire!!” one fan said.
“The jacket is ugly haha,” said another.
Stephen A. Smith’s journey through the media
STEPHEN A. Smith is now the face of ESPN and executive producer of First Take, having initially started working for the company in 2003.
Smith has held numerous roles at the network, including radio show host, contributions to SportsCenter and appearance on NBA Countdown.
He was a columnist for the Philadelphia Inquirer from 1994 to 2010.
He started as an NBA writer before becoming a general sports columnist.
Prior to that, Smith worked as a reporter at the Winston-Salem Journal, the Greensboro News and the New York Daily News.
Stephen A. and Shannon Sharpe were absent from First Take this week as they continue their summer break.
Neither has appeared on ESPN since July 2 while enjoying a much-needed vacation.
Many First Take fans hope to return to the show soon.
“@FirstTake @stephenasmith where are you today? Who are these people hosting your show??” asked a confused fan on X.
“This isn’t #FirstTake… it feels like I’m watching Sport Center or some sports show on Fox,” said another.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story