On Thursday, Stephen A. Smith apologized for his comments made earlier that had criticized Anthony Davis and his head injury. Smith had joked about Davis’ possible concussion during “First Take” on ESPN and questioned whether it could actually happen in an NBA game.
However, Smith later acknowledged his mistake on Twitter, stating that he was wrong to have questioned whether Davis had a concussion. Smith tweeted, “Bottom line, it was wrong for me to do. Period! My bad.”
Stephen A Smith on Anthony Davis injury 😩😩😩😩 pic.twitter.com/AQdzpXAjpb
— Shannonnn sharpes Burner (PARODY Account) (@shannonsharpeee) May 11, 2023
During the show, Smith had made light of Davis’ injury, questioning whether it was a real concussion and joking about Davis needing a wheelchair to get to the locker room. This prompted laughter from fellow commentators Jay Williams and Brian Windhorst. However, Smith’s comments drew criticism from Ernie Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, and Charles Barkley on TNT’s “Inside the NBA,” who found the remarks insensitive.
Blow back is Blow back. Comes with the territory, peeps. I was in no way minimizing the seriousness of a concussion. I was questioning whether Anthony Davis really had one, considering the play I saw & other hits I’ve seen him absorb. But, bottom line, it was wrong for me to do.…
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) May 11, 2023
Qerim, the host of “First Take,” had interrupted Smith and reminded him that head injuries are serious and can have “life-altering effects” on someone. Smith responded by saying that they found it hard to believe that Davis had actually suffered a concussion in the play they were watching.
Davis had exited Game 5 of the Lakers-Warriors series early after being hit in the head by Kevon Looney’s arm. There had been doubts about his status for the rest of the series, but Lakers coach Darvin Ham confirmed on Thursday that Davis was not in concussion protocol and is probable for Friday’s Game 6.
Anthony Davis Probable for Game 6: Lakers’ Coach Confirms Star Player’s Availability Despite Head Injury Scare
Los Angeles Lakers coach Darvin Ham confirmed that Anthony Davis is not in the NBA’s concussion protocol and is expected to play in Game 6 against the Golden State Warriors. Ham said that Davis is “not showing any signs of anything” and is listed as probable for the game.
Davis suffered a head injury in Game 5 after being hit by Kevon Looney’s arm while fighting for position under the basket. Davis left the game and went to the locker room with 7:43 remaining in the fourth quarter. He finished the game with 23 points, nine rebounds, and three assists.
The Lakers lead the best-of-seven series 3-2. Teammate Austin Reaves said that the team would be ready to play with or without Davis. Stephen Curry and the Warriors could be expecting to see Davis play in Game 6.
