Stephen A. Smith has never shied away from stirring the pot, and his latest comments about Memphis have certainly turned heads, making their way all the way to City Hall. On the most recent edition of First Take, Smith opened up about the Memphis Grizzlies’ challenges in attracting star players, citing safety concerns as a notable hurdle.
“It’s a great sports town, great fans, great people,” Smith acknowledged, but he didn’t sugarcoat his views. He pointed out that prominent players like Jimmy Butler may hesitate to join the Grizzlies due to concerns about their safety in the city. “I’m talking to the local authorities in Memphis. You gotta clean some of that stuff up because it’s dissuasive to NBA players,” he justified, claiming those players have shared their feelings with him directly.
Naturally, these comments didn’t sit well with everyone. Many Memphians took to social media to defend their city, and Memphis Mayor Paul Young was quick to the keyboard. In a gracious yet assertive response, Young highlighted the city’s many strengths, echoing Smith’s praise of Memphis as a sports town and home to passionate fans. “City of Memphis, Stephen called us a great sports town – facts. Best fans in the game? True. People of Memphis? Unmatched,” he countered.
The mayor highlighted some positive developments, stating, “What he is missing is that crime is down significantly in 2024 and 2025. We’re not just talking change, we’re delivering it. Memphis is rising, and we’ve got the numbers and the heart to prove it.” Mayor Young extended an invitation to both Smith and any hesitant players, encouraging them to visit and experience the city firsthand. “And Stephen, we’ll welcome you here anytime. Just don’t bet against us. Memphis doesn’t stay down,” he concluded, emphasizing a sense of community pride.
In the midst of all this, Ja Morant, the Grizzlies’ star player, added his voice to the conversation, showing support for his city and further exemplifying what makes Memphis special. His involvement underlined the point that Memphis boasts not only talent but also deep-rooted passion.
The social media reactions to Mayor Young’s statement were a mix of surprise and encouragement. One user quipped, “Did not have the Mayor putting out an official statement on comments from Stephen A. Smith on the 2025 bingo card but here we are.” Another praised the mayor’s defense, which highlighted the richness and character of Memphis, while a third playfully poked fun at Smith’s remarks.
While Smith did offer a sort of apology after the backlash, one doesn’t need a crystal ball to predict he may not be winning any fans in Memphis anytime soon. The episode shines a light on how communities are eager to defend their reputations while also showcasing a spirited conversation about safety and perception in sports culture.
