ESPN’s Stephen A Smith defends Steve Harvey, calls for use of ‘intellect not our emotions’ with Donald Trump
Here’s the full text of Smith’s commentary:
When noted comedian and host of the hit show “Family Feud” Steve Harvey exited from a meeting with President-elect Donald Trump last week calling him “a great man,” to say there was a backlash would be a gross understatement. The word “coon” and “sellout” was immediately thrown out.
His friend and contemporary D.L. Hughley wasn’t happy either, aiming his vitriol at Trump instead of Steve Harvey. And of course it provided the perfect excuse for naysayers to accuse sports greats like Jim Brown and Ray Lewis of being used as photo-ops weeks ago.
But on a day like today when we celebrate the birth date of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, along with his undeniable historical impact, perhaps it is time for all of us to see the big picture, to essentially pay more attention to the issues permeating our society, what it will take to resolve them, and connecting ourselves to who we can ultimately hold accountable rather than focusing on disdain for that very individual in a position to make a difference, knowing that is not going to get us anywhere.
Has anyone thought about what impact it could have if Trump spoke to LeBron James? How about Steph Curry? How about Mike Tomlin, Tony Dungy, Chris Paul, Adam Jones of the Baltimore Orioles, or a host of conscientious sports figures connected to communities, committed to helping inner cities ascend from an abyss that has plagued us for decades. What then? Will they be sellouts, too, just for meeting with the man? For expressing their concerns? For articulating what ails these communities and providing ideas on how to resolve problems? The answer is no. At least for anyone with sense.
So here’s hoping Trump calls all of those guys and then some. So why have a problem with Steve Harvey? While few of us are interested in hearing praise for Trump at this moment, let’s not confuse that with recognizing the position he’s in, respecting it and using our intellect to decipher where we go from here, not our emotions. After all, how far has that gotten us?
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