ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith recently faced significant criticism from NFL fans and even his on-air colleagues for remarks made about Indianapolis Colts owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon. Smith questioned the owner's presence on the sidelines, suggesting a lack of decisive action amid the team's struggles.
Irsay-Gordon, who inherited the team from her late father, has been observed on the sidelines with a headset and notepad, seeking to deepen her understanding of the sport. This practice has drawn scrutiny from some in the sports world, with Smith being the latest to voice his opinion.
"You can't defend what the hell this organization has been," Smith stated, referring to the Colts' current 2-6 season record. "This owner, I'm sitting here going like this. I didn't mind her parading up and down the sidelines, that's what she does. My whole point is: What the hell you doing that for if you ain't gonna do nothing about the product you're seeing? What you on the sideline for? You just sightseeing? Do something! Get rid of somebody! Make a change! Send a message that you're moving in a different direction."
However, ESPN NFL analyst Jeff Saturday pointed out that Irsay-Gordon had indeed made a significant change, recently firing general manager Chris Ballard. "She fired a guy! She fired somebody, she did do something!" Saturday interjected.
Smith, appearing to pivot, then questioned why the head coach had not been dismissed. "Why the coach there? What's he there for? Stop, stop. Don't wait, you ain't going nowhere. Let the people in Indianapolis know you're moving in a different direction."
Social media users quickly criticized Smith's comments. One user noted, "She Fired the GM and shipped two franchise guys," possibly referencing Ballard and players Quenton Nelson and DeForest Buckner. Another commented, "We are watching him move the goalposts in real time," while a different user wrote, "Stephen A is so out of touch. Does he not know she fired the GM and is actively trading players?"
