Stephen A. Smith opts out of attending Kiffin's return to Ole Miss
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 17, 2026, 10:30 PM
Last updated Sep 17, 2026
Stephen A. Smith announced he will not attend Lane Kiffin's highly anticipated return to Ole Miss this weekend. Citing concerns over a potentially hostile environment, Smith explained that discussions of heightened security and potential violence led to his decision. He previously defended Kiffin after his departure from Ole Miss for LSU but noted the atmosphere may be too risky for an individual visit. Smith emphasized the importance of safety, urging that supporters should express their feelings without resorting to violence.
- •Smith described the environment as potentially toxic ahead of the game.
- •He previously defended Kiffin after his controversial transfer from Ole Miss to LSU.
- •Discussions of violence and security issues influenced Smith's decision not to attend.
- •This weekend's game has garnered significant media attention due to its circumstances.
- •Smith emphasized the need for fans to express emotions safely.
- 10:30 PMYahoo Sports — Stephen A. Smith not comfortable attending Lane Kiffin’s return to Ole Miss: ‘I’m not taking that chance’
"Everyone expects a hostile environment when new LSU head coach Lane Kiffin returns to Ole Miss this weekend, too hostile for Stephen A. Smith to attend. Smith defended Kiffin when he spurned Ole Miss for LSU nearly a year ago, generating headlines by suggesting Black athletes were hesitant to live and play in Oxford, Mississippi…
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
College Sports•Sep 17, 2026, 11:29 PMUH adds to top-ranked basketball recruiting class with addition of power forward Triston Hawthorne
NCAAF•Sep 17, 2026, 11:25 PMUTSA-Texas football: How to watch the Roadrunners' first matchup against No. 1
College Sports•Sep 17, 2026, 11:22 PMPitt to open up ACC play against rival Syracuse
College SportsNCAAM•Sep 17, 2026, 11:17 PMISU opens MVC play at UIC; Valley releases '26-27 men's hoops schedule
NCAAF•Sep 17, 2026, 11:13 PMSTAFF PICKS: Notre Dame Fighting Irish VS Michigan State for the Megaphone
College Sports•Sep 17, 2026, 11:08 PMTexas A&M unveils uniform vs. Kentucky ahead of Week 3 home matchup