Michael Wilbon criticizes Stephen A. Smith's journalist credentials

Yahoo Sports1 min read • Latest: Aug 5, 2026, 6:22 PM

Last updated Aug 5, 2026

Michael Wilbon criticizes Stephen A. Smith's journalist credentials
Summary

Michael Wilbon has publicly challenged Stephen A. Smith's claim to be a journalist during an appearance on The Awful Announcing Podcast. Wilbon asserted that Smith no longer engages in traditional journalism, suggesting that his role primarily involves entertainment. This remark follows recent criticism from Jaylen Brown, who questioned Smith's journalistic integrity. Wilbon stated that true journalism requires presence and accountability in sports reporting, a standard he believes Smith does not meet. The discussion underscores ongoing debates within sports media regarding the role of opinion versus reporting.

Source Links
By the Numbers
  • Wilbon tells Smith, 'stop, you’re not a journalist anymore.'
  • Wilbon emphasizes the importance of accountability in sports reporting.
  • Jaylen Brown previously questioned Smith's journalistic integrity.
  • Wilbon claims Smith's role centers on entertainment rather than reporting.
Latest Updates
  • 6:22 PMYahoo Sports‘Stop, you’re not a journalist’: Michael Wilbon does not hold back on Stephen A. Smith
What they're saying
"

ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith has a tendency to remind people that he’s a journalist when feuding with an athlete or another media personality. Recently, former NBA Finals MVP Jaylen Brown questioned Smith’s “journalistic integrity” and called the First Take host out for letting personal feelings dictate what should be objective analysis. However, Pardon the Interruption’s Michael Wilbon…

Related Teams & Leagues

Sources

External links

Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.

Related Stories

Last 14 days