Stephen A. addresses Isiah Thomas' comments & Jaylen Brown's marketability | First Take

ESPN
27 May 202413:50

Summary

TLDRIn a recent discussion on ESPN's 'First Take,' Stephen A. Smith addressed comments about NBA player Jaylen Brown's marketability, suggesting that Brown's serious demeanor and social activism might affect his popularity. This sparked reactions from Brown and former NBA player Isaiah Thomas, who defended Brown's marketability. Smith clarified his stance, emphasizing Brown's talent and positive contributions to the community, and stressed the importance of maintaining journalistic integrity without revealing sources. The conversation highlights the balance between athletes' personal brands and their social responsibilities.

Takeaways

  • 🏀 NBA Source suggests Jaylen Brown is not well-liked due to his competitive attitude, which may affect his marketability.
  • 🗣️ Stephen A. Smith, the host, defends Jaylen Brown's marketability and highlights his mentorship from Isaiah Thomas.
  • 👨‍🏫 Isaiah Thomas, a mentor to Jaylen Brown, publicly supports Brown's marketability and challenges the source of the claim.
  • 📱 Jaylen Brown responds to the comments with a simple tweet asking to 'State your source'.
  • 🤔 Stephen A. Smith expresses disappointment that Isaiah Thomas didn't contact him privately about the issue.
  • 🌟 Smith acknowledges Jaylen Brown as an underrated star and appreciates his talent and impact on and off the court.
  • 🏆 Brown's recent $300 million contract and his role in the NBA Finals are mentioned as testaments to his value.
  • 🤝 Stephen A. Smith emphasizes his positive past comments about Jaylen Brown and his commitment to fairness.
  • 💬 The discussion touches on the broader issue of marketability versus talent and activism in sports figures.
  • 👥 The conversation concludes with a reflection on the roles of sports journalists and the importance of maintaining professional integrity.

Q & A

  • What was the main point of the NBA source's message about Jaylen Brown?

    -The NBA source suggested that Jaylen Brown is not so much underrated as he is not liked due to his 'I am better than you' attitude, which affects his marketability.

  • How did Isaiah Thomas respond to the comments about Jaylen Brown's marketability?

    -Isaiah Thomas defended Jaylen Brown on Twitter, stating that he is 100% marketable and challenged the source to put their name on the comments or not speak on it.

  • What was Stephen A.'s reaction to the backlash from his comments on Jaylen Brown?

    -Stephen A. expressed disappointment that Isaiah Thomas, a known contact, didn't reach out to him directly about the comments. He also clarified that he has always been complimentary about Jaylen Brown.

  • What did Stephen A. say about Jaylen Brown's performance and attitude on the court?

    -Stephen A. praised Jaylen Brown as one of the most underrated stars in the game, highlighting his talent, seriousness, and lack of tolerance for foolishness during games.

  • How did Stephen A. address the issue of marketability in relation to Jaylen Brown's social consciousness?

    -Stephen A. acknowledged that being socially conscientious and speaking up for others can sometimes make a player less marketable, as people may hold it against them.

  • What was the context of Stephen A.'s comments about Jaylen Brown being played on social media?

    -Stephen A. criticized the way social media clips his comments out of context, and he asked for the full segment to be played to provide the proper context.

  • What is Stephen A.'s stance on revealing sources in his line of work?

    -Stephen A. is adamant about not revealing his sources, stating that doing so would jeopardize his career and the trust he has built with those in the NBA.

  • How did Stephen A. describe his relationship with Isaiah Thomas and the issue of communication?

    -Stephen A. mentioned that Isaiah Thomas is like a big brother to him and expressed disappointment that Thomas didn't call him directly about the issue instead of addressing it on social media.

  • What is Stephen A.'s view on the importance of doing his job as a sports reporter?

    -Stephen A. emphasized the importance of doing his job professionally and fairly, stating that he will continue to report and comment on sports without fear of making enemies.

  • How did Shannon Sharpe respond to Stephen A.'s comments and the situation?

    -Shannon Sharpe agreed with Stephen A.'s stance on not revealing sources and acknowledged that being a great player doesn't necessarily equate to being marketable.

  • What did Stephen A. say about his approach to his job and potential disagreements with others?

    -Stephen A. stated that he doesn't aim to make enemies and doesn't hate anyone, but he will continue to do his job regardless of what others may say about it.

Outlines

00:00

🏀 Controversy Over Jaylen Brown's Marketability

Stephen A. discusses the marketability of NBA player Jaylen Brown, addressing comments made by an NBA source suggesting that Brown's perceived arrogance and attitude may affect his likability and marketability. Stephen A. also mentions his own high regard for Brown, both as a player and as a socially conscious individual. The conversation includes reactions from Isaiah Thomas, who defends Brown's marketability and criticizes the unnamed source, and from Brown himself, who challenges the validity of the source with the phrase 'State your source'. Stephen A. emphasizes the importance of context in social media discussions and clarifies his own positive views on Brown's talent and contributions to the NBA and society.

05:01

🗣️ The Role of Activism and Marketability in Sports

The conversation continues with a deeper dive into the potential impact of social activism on an athlete's marketability. Stephen A. argues that being socially conscious and taking a stand can sometimes lead to a negative perception among the public, which might affect an athlete's marketability. He acknowledges the good work done by Isaiah Thomas in increasing diversity in the media and questions why Thomas didn't understand his point of view. Stephen A. also defends his professional integrity, stating that he has sources throughout the NBA and that he must maintain their confidentiality to preserve his journalistic credibility. He stresses the importance of doing his job as a sports analyst without bias and not letting personal relationships interfere with his professional duties.

10:02

🎙️ Media Responsibility and the Impact of Public Opinion

Stephen A. reflects on the responsibility of media professionals, particularly when it comes to revealing sources and maintaining relationships with athletes. He argues that revealing a source would jeopardize his career in sports journalism. The discussion also touches on the importance of presenting balanced views and not simply agreeing with popular opinions. Stephen A. emphasizes that having a job in television means providing honest opinions, which may not always align with those of the audience or fellow commentators. He also addresses the changing culture of the industry, where public opinion and social media reactions can influence how stories are covered and perceived.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Underrated

The term 'underrated' refers to someone or something that is not given as much recognition or praise as they deserve. In the context of the video, it is suggested that Jaylen Brown may not be as well-liked or recognized as he should be due to his perceived attitude. This is a central theme as it discusses the potential reasons behind Brown's marketability and public perception.

💡Marketability

Marketability pertains to the ability of a product, in this case, an NBA player, to be promoted and sold in the marketplace. The script discusses Jaylen Brown's marketability, suggesting that his attitude might affect how he is perceived by the public and sponsors, which is a key point in the conversation about his public image and career.

💡Attitude

Attitude in this context refers to Jaylen Brown's demeanor or the way he carries himself, particularly his 'I am better than you' demeanor as mentioned in the script. This attitude is suggested as a possible reason for his perceived lack of likability and marketability, which is a significant aspect of the discussion around his public persona.

💡Social Media

Social media is a collective term for websites and applications which focus on communication, community-based input, interaction, content-sharing and collaboration. The script mentions social media in relation to how clips from Stephen A.'s show 'First Take' are shared and interpreted online, highlighting the role of social media in shaping public discourse and reactions.

💡Mentor

A mentor is someone who imparts wisdom, knowledge, or guidance to others. In the script, Isaiah Thomas identifies himself as a mentor, friend, and advisor to Jaylen Brown, emphasizing the personal connection and support he provides, which is relevant to the discussion of Brown's character and development.

💡Conscientious

Conscientious describes someone who is diligent, careful, and thorough. The script uses this term to describe Jaylen Brown's approach to social issues and his commitment to activism, suggesting that his dedication to these causes might impact his marketability but is a positive aspect of his character.

💡Activism

Activism refers to the policy of taking direct vigorous action to bring about political or social change. The script highlights Jaylen Brown's involvement in social justice movements and his activism, which is portrayed as a key part of his identity and potentially a factor in his marketability.

💡Philanthropy

Philanthropy is the desire to promote the welfare of others, expressed especially by the generous donation of money to good causes. The script mentions Jaylen Brown's philanthropic efforts within the community, which is used to illustrate his positive contributions off the court.

💡Source

In journalism, a source is a person or document that provides information for a news story. The script discusses the importance of sources in reporting, with Stephen A. defending the anonymity of his sources and the integrity of his reporting, which is central to the debate about journalistic ethics and responsibility.

💡Professionalism

Professionalism refers to the conduct, aims, or qualities that characterize or mark a profession or a professional person. Stephen A. emphasizes his professionalism in the script, stating that he will continue to do his job to the best of his ability, regardless of personal relationships or backlash, which underscores the theme of journalistic integrity and commitment to one's work.

Highlights

NBA source suggests Jaylen Brown is not well-liked due to his 'I am better than you' attitude, affecting his marketability.

Stephen A. Smith's comments on Jaylen Brown's marketability garner attention on social media.

Hall of Famer Isaiah Thomas defends Jaylen Brown's marketability, challenging the source of the comments.

Jaylen Brown responds to the comments with a simple 'State your source' on Twitter.

Stephen A. Smith expresses disappointment in Isaiah Thomas for not reaching out to him directly about the comments.

Smith clarifies his position on Jaylen Brown, stating he finds him to be one of the most underrated stars in the NBA.

Smith emphasizes Brown's talent, performance in the NBA Finals, and his intolerance for foolishness.

Discussion on the historical context and expectations of playing for the Boston Celtics.

Smith shares his admiration for Brown's social consciousness and activism.

Smith explains that being socially conscientious can sometimes hinder marketability.

Isaiah Thomas's past as an activist and his contributions to NBA diversity are acknowledged.

Smith stresses the importance of maintaining professional integrity and not revealing sources.

Shannon Sharpe emphasizes the importance of not revealing sources in sports journalism.

Sharpe discusses the balance between being marketable and taking a stand on social issues.

Smith and Sharpe agree on the importance of doing their job as sports analysts without personal bias.

Smith reflects on his career, stating he has never betrayed a source and has always done his job professionally.

Smith expresses his desire not to make enemies and to maintain a fair and humane approach to his work.

Transcripts

00:00

I wanted to read to y'all what an NBA

00:02

Source just sent me he

00:04

said Jaylen Brown it's not so much that

00:08

he's underrated it's that he's just not

00:11

liked because of his quote I am better

00:14

than you attitude he knows it it's the

00:17

same reason he is not as marketable as

00:21

he should be that's what an NBA Source

00:23

just sent me I don't know that to be the

00:26

case I like Jaylen Brown I know a lot of

00:27

people that like Jaylen brown but again

00:30

when you think about marketability

00:31

that's what that person was alluding

00:36

to okay uh that clip was of Stephen A

00:39

last Friday on first take obviously

00:41

making the rounds on social media it got

00:43

the attention of friend of the show Hall

00:45

of Famer Isaiah Thomas who posted on X

00:48

Twitter I've been a mentor friend and

00:51

advisor to Jaylen Brown since he was a

00:53

student at UC Berkeley he is 100%

00:56

marketable And before you slander his

00:59

name a tell your source to put their

01:02

name on it or don't speak on it let it

01:04

be known in addition to Thomas Jaylen

01:07

Brown also took to Twitter saying simply

01:10

State your Source uh essay you responded

01:13

on social media but we wanted to give

01:15

you the opportunity to say your piece

01:16

here as well oh well first of all couple

01:20

of

01:21

things um as was the case with Draymond

01:27

Green it's the same or similar with

01:30

Isaiah Thomas I love these brothers um

01:34

Draymond Green is a younger brother

01:35

Isaiah Thomas obviously is an older

01:37

individual sh Shay somebody that I've

01:39

known for over 30 years my only

01:42

disappointment is is that Isaiah Thomas

01:45

calls or texes me all the time I saw

01:49

that on X never heard a word from him

01:52

until I saw it on X so that was

01:54

disappointing the other thing that was

01:56

disappointing is what he said in terms

01:58

of State your sword or don't speak on it

02:02

uh respectfully Isaiah Thomas you've

02:04

been a source to a lot of people over

02:09

the years and your name was never said

02:13

so why would you ask me to name a source

02:16

now so let's get that out the way as it

02:19

pertains to Jaylen Brown I would like to

02:22

say to America before I get into it any

02:26

further they play these little Clips on

02:28

you cuz that's what social media does

02:31

and they don't play the whole thing and

02:32

they don't contextualize it properly as

02:34

you and I both know sh Shay so before I

02:37

go any further could y'all please play

02:40

what I continue to say about Jaylen

02:43

Brown that same

02:46

segment he might be one of the most

02:48

underrated stars in the game Big perk

02:49

and I'm certainly not going to disagree

02:52

with you with that the brother Kim ball

02:54

when he got over $300 million we know we

02:57

didn't sneeze at that cuz we know he got

02:59

the talent to back back it up we saw him

03:00

perform in the NBA Finals he ain't got

03:03

time for foolishness in games he don't

03:05

tolerate fools very easily he's one of

03:07

those dudes and that and sometimes they

03:09

can that can be interpreted as you not

03:11

being like well damn it if you a fool he

03:14

ain't the person that you want to be

03:15

around because he's a serious Brother

03:17

and he's got deep thoughts on his mind

03:18

and what have you and that old soul that

03:20

you come in when your best friend is

03:21

your granddad and he's talking to you

03:23

about real life some of the things he

03:25

endured and experienced and what have

03:26

you and that's what you wear on your

03:28

sleeve every day and then you go out and

03:30

you compete particularly in Boston I

03:32

love Boston and all that stuff but from

03:34

an historical perspective there's a lot

03:35

that comes with that as well we can't

03:37

ignore that I understand

03:41

it that's what I said Jaylen Brown in

03:44

case you're watching let me speak very

03:46

very plain as to what I was saying

03:50

Jaylen Brown is a star in this league I

03:53

voted him for one of the all NBA teams I

03:56

have a vote he was on my third Team all

03:59

NBA so let's get that out the way

04:02

secondly I've been on this show for 12

04:04

years you can't find a negative word

04:06

I've said about this brother he is a

04:08

gifted athlete he is a star he's a good

04:11

dude he's so he's socially conscientious

04:15

he was on a front lines through the

04:16

whole social justice movement he spoke

04:19

out on a lot of things he got his new

04:21

$300 million contract I pointed out his

04:23

philanthropy within the community and

04:25

how he wanted to Galvanize the Boston

04:27

Community to help the desolate and the

04:28

disenfranchise this dude is a

04:30

magnificent magnificent brother Isaiah

04:34

Thomas has heard me say this before

04:36

jayen Brown has heard me say this before

04:39

I don't know why this was made up into

04:41

something bigger than what it was I've

04:43

been nothing but complimentary about him

04:45

I'm going to continue to do that I

04:47

pointed out what I pointed out because

04:48

when you are conscientious Shannon when

04:51

you are somebody that speaks your mind

04:52

and speak on behalf of others sometimes

04:55

that doesn't make you marketable because

04:58

people want to hold that against you as

05:01

black men we've pointed this out on many

05:04

many occasions how those of us who are

05:06

socially conscientious that have an

05:08

activist soul that is willing to fight

05:10

for the for the for the underprivileged

05:12

and Beyond like Jaylen Brown does might

05:15

have contributed to him being disliked

05:18

Isaiah Thomas is one of those people you

05:19

know how much great things that Isaiah

05:21

Thomas has done in this world from an

05:23

activist St do you know that Isaiah

05:25

Thomas is largely responsible for the

05:28

diversity that exists within the Med

05:30

because when he was the president of the

05:31

Players Association he was the one that

05:33

fought with the league to make sure that

05:35

blacks got to cover the NBA Isaiah

05:38

Thomas has always had an activist Soul

05:41

how could you suddenly not understand

05:42

where I was coming from and if you

05:44

didn't understand it why didn't you call

05:45

me so the last part I want to say is

05:47

this Shannon because it's very important

05:49

I want to hand this to you because I

05:50

want you to comment about

05:52

this ladies and gentlemen you got a lot

05:55

of people with their podcast especially

05:56

people like yourself with the three plus

05:58

million followers my brother keep do

05:59

your right let's understand something

06:03

you got people out there talking

06:06

basketball I cover it I have been a

06:09

reporter for 30 years covering the

06:15

NBA I when I called the league about

06:17

Russell Westbrook I didn't call him to

06:19

get suspended I called to find out why

06:21

because I show was leading into the game

06:24

and the network asked me to call to find

06:26

out the details you talk the game I

06:28

covered the game I have sources in every

06:31

single locker room in every single front

06:33

office in the NBA you don't have to

06:35

believe it it's a matter of fact but in

06:38

the end please understand something

06:39

about me I don't want enemies I I got

06:42

love for people I'm a very happy

06:44

individual as you well know I'm living a

06:45

good life life has treated me very very

06:47

well a whole bit ladies and gentlemen

06:50

I'm not trying to be anybody's enemy but

06:52

I am not here to be your friend I have a

06:55

job to do and I'm going to do my job and

06:57

if somebody that I trust that is is a

06:59

source that I've known for decades texts

07:02

me and gives me a perspective on jayen

07:04

Brown that I find other people are

07:06

saying it it's nothing wrong with me

07:08

highlighting it I didn't agree with it

07:10

but I pointed out that it's being said

07:12

we don't have Thanksgiving dinner

07:14

together we ain't exchanging Christmas

07:15

gies together if people don't want to

07:17

talk to me don't talk to me I'm still

07:18

going to do my job that's the way it's

07:21

going to be and that is the way it is

07:22

going to stay I say that respectfully

07:24

Shannon because I don't want nobody

07:26

think I'm trying to be enemies I'm not

07:27

trying to dismiss anybody I pride myself

07:29

on being fair being Humane but I'm

07:32

professional I'm going to do my job I

07:36

don't owe anybody not to do my job

07:38

that's not what ESPN hired me to do go

07:41

ahead

07:42

Shan first of all if you're in the

07:45

business and you cover Sports you cover

07:48

government you cover anything you Reveal

07:51

Your Source one time you're going to be

07:52

out of business Isa knows that Jaylen

07:56

Brown knows that everybody that been

07:58

that's around the sports

08:00

if you Reveal Your Source one time

08:02

you're no longer going to have a job

08:04

because no one will ever ever talk to

08:06

you again second of all because you're

08:10

one of the great players in the NBA

08:12

because you have one of the great

08:14

contracts in the NBA that doesn't mean

08:17

everybody is marketable everybody in the

08:20

history of the NBA or sporting event

08:23

just because they were great at

08:24

something doesn't mean they're

08:26

marketable and that's okay I love what

08:29

Brown does the way he tries to highlight

08:32

issues that's going on in the black

08:33

community be it finances be it be it the

08:36

social justice no matter the case and

08:39

you have to weigh that when you take a

08:42

stand understand that there might be

08:44

blowback or Consequences that come along

08:47

with your actions it seems to me that

08:49

Jaylen Brown is okay because he seems to

08:51

believe that he has a higher calling and

08:53

a higher purpose I agree with it but

08:56

we've got to stop this notion because

08:59

what he's one of the best players he's

09:00

got to be marketable that doesn't

09:02

necessarily mean it to be true I agree

09:04

with you Stephen A I wish Isaiah had a

09:06

called you I know Isa very well he and I

09:08

have always had a great relationship um

09:11

but I don't you know there's and and and

09:13

sometimes Stephen A we do things and we

09:16

don't think about it at the time just

09:17

like I just want to go and put this out

09:18

there when we could have all I I could

09:21

have called and said somebody said bro

09:23

this is what I'm thinking when I said

09:24

this blah blah blah and but it didn't

09:26

happen but man we got to stop being so

09:28

upset at every everything we have jobs

09:31

to do on television and that means

09:33

you're doing a great job because if you

09:35

love everything that I say you love

09:37

everything that this man say that means

09:39

we're not doing our job and what we're

09:41

trying to do is appease people what

09:43

we're trying to do is give you our

09:45

honest opinion and it's probably going

09:47

to be different than some of you guys'

09:49

opinion on some topics that's okay when

09:54

did we always have to agree with

09:55

everything just because Stephen A is

09:57

black and I'm black I don't have to with

09:59

everything that he says he doesn't have

10:01

to agree with everything that I say you

10:03

don't have to agree with everything that

10:05

we say that's okay Jaylen Brown is great

10:09

he is a great player I love what he's

10:11

doing on and off the court you know when

10:15

you had you know when people were coming

10:18

at you a few months ago you made a very

10:22

profound point that I make sure to Echo

10:24

time and time and time again when you

10:27

interviewed Cat Williams it was like

10:29

your thousand and2nd show or something

10:31

like that I believe that's what you said

10:33

you never heard anything no until the

10:36

Cat Williams interview so all of a

10:38

sudden it's successful and it's boom you

10:40

know here come here here here come the

10:42

floodgates first take in a time when

10:45

linear television is you know not what

10:48

it was not what it once was whatever

10:50

First Take has been number one for 12

10:51

consecutive years First Take is up 23

10:54

consecutive months okay first take is

10:56

doing what it does so I get text

10:58

messages and people are that ain't been

11:00

a part of this that that you know didn't

11:02

help us get here oh Stephen A you got a

11:03

responsibility to do this Stephen you

11:05

got a responsibility to do that blah

11:06

blah blah blah blah and then they act

11:07

like they the only person that's talking

11:09

when there's a poper of other

11:11

individuals you know same ethnicity same

11:14

circles etc etc no got a totally

11:16

different opinion and they're probably

11:17

saying well you got to say this this

11:18

that and the third at the end of the day

11:20

I have a job to do and and here's my

11:22

point Shannon this like you know because

11:24

you got players out there that can't

11:25

stand me don't like me whatever I got

11:27

far more players that got love for me

11:28

and I'm with and it's fine those who

11:31

don't like me trust me I don't lose any

11:33

sleep over it I'm not going to miss you

11:34

either but I don't mean that doesn't

11:36

mean I hate you or anything like that

11:37

when I got this in stuff with Draymond

11:39

Green I love Draymond Green Man we have

11:41

a disagreement but Draymond Green is a

11:43

good brother I think he was wrong but

11:45

he's a good brother he's always goingon

11:46

to be a good brother he ever needs me

11:47

I'm gonna be there Isaiah Thomas has

11:48

been my big brother for years I got mad

11:50

love for him nothing's going to change

11:52

that but you just find yourself watching

11:55

these people and you sit and the culture

11:59

that has changed that has shifted

12:02

everything in this industry you got

12:04

folks out there just talking it could be

12:05

for clickbait it could be because they

12:07

just hating on somebody I'm like what

12:09

about the facts what about the facts

12:11

when when when Stephen Jackson said

12:12

something about me weeks ago where your

12:14

facts your facts were wrong that's all

12:17

I'm saying I'm not saying anything about

12:18

him personally your facts were wrong in

12:21

the end I have a job to do I'm going to

12:25

do my job I don't want enemies I don't I

12:28

don't hate anybody I don't want anybody

12:31

to hate me but it is what it is I'm

12:34

going to do my job and I don't give a

12:38

damn what anybody says about it because

12:40

I've been at this industry for a long

12:42

time and knock on wood I've been on top

12:45

for a while and I'm On Top now how long

12:48

that's going to last remains to be seen

12:50

but I'm on top for a reason because in

12:52

30 years Shannon and I say this to you

12:54

as my brother to your face you can hear

12:56

a lot of things about me you know what

12:57

you ain't going to hear about me Stephen

12:59

A betrayed The Source right Stephen A

13:02

lied Stephen A said we we said something

13:06

off the Record and he went and said it

13:08

on the record and violate these tenants

13:11

right I have never ever done it in my

13:14

career I am entitled to cover the sport

13:18

the way the Sport's being covered and I

13:20

think a legitimate argument could be

13:21

made I've done a damn good job of it

13:24

otherwise I wouldn't be in the seat that

13:26

I'm in I stand on what I stand on it is

13:28

what it is this maybe you need a dog no

13:33

you got too many well you want to give

13:34

me one of yours you got about five of

13:35

them I'm about to get some more really

13:37

yeah I lose friend I get dogs

13:43

[Music]