How Did Stephen A. Smith Hurt His Ankle? Details About NBA All-Star Head Coach’s Mishap, Hospital Visit and More

The NBA All-Star Weekend is just a couple of hours away from the beginning, and already we have the first big news of the day. Popular ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith has injured himself while practicing for the Celebrity All-Star Game. ESPN First Take host Molly Qerim stated that Stephen A. had to visit the hospital for an X-ray scan. Reports suggest that Dallas Cowboys star Micah Parsons crossed him during a practice session.

However, Stephen A. Smith’s description of the incident differs significantly from Molly’s version. In the latest episode of the First Take, Stephen A. Smith jokingly rebutted Qerim’s version, calling her a “pathological liar” (all in good spirits), describing the circumstances differently. He said, “There was some sweat on the floor … I literally bust my a**”. Currently, Stephen A. is in an ankle brace, which would mean that he probably won’t play in the Celebrity All-Star Game. But he will “definitely” coach tonight’s Celebrity All-Star game.

Stephen A. thanked the NBA for getting him proper medical care. The 56-year-old analyst is one of the coaches in the upcoming All-Star Celebrity Game, among the set of festivities happening this weekend in Indianapolis. His team is all set to tackle Team Shannon Sharpe, his ESPN colleague, and Pro Football Hall of Fame. Smith noted that the practice session happened late on Thursday when Sharpe wasn’t present. ESPN veteran wanted to inspect at what he was working with, roster wise, when the incident happened.

Micah Parsons is selected to play for Team Shannon on Friday. His involvement in this incident adds yet another layer, a rather ironically funny one at that, to Stephen’s narrative against the Cowboys. Yes! Smith is know for his notorious critique agains the Cowboys every now and then. He is often heard using the catchphrase “accident waiting to happen” in Dallas’ context. In fact, he even joined Parsons’ podcast “The Edge” recently, where he continued his critique, calling their quarterback, Dak Prescott a “choir boy”. Of course, he does not mean any ill, but ironically he is now spun into a series of misfortunes, that too at the hands of none other than Parsons.

Fortunately, Smith is still going to be able to suit up and participate in the All-Star Celebrity content, matching up against his nemisis for the night, Sharpe and his team. This time around, it is Smith’s pride on the line, especially considering the incident from Thursday. He ensures that he will “definitely” be present to at least coach the team on Friday. Let’s give Team Sharpe and Team Stephen A. a brief recap before the contest starts!

Celebrities participating in the Celebrity All-Star Game

The Celebrity All-Star Game this season promises to be one for the ages. From popular Twitch streamer Kai Cenat to the rising NFL sensation CJ Stroud, the NBA has lined up a very diverse set of participants. In addition to Stephen A. Smith and Shannon Sharpe coaching teams, NFL icon Peyton Manning will also take on the role of assistant head coach during the game.

Shannon Sharpe’s team comprises Anuel AA (artist), Kai Cenat (streamer), Conor Daly (IndyCar Series racer), Walker Hayes (artist), Quincy Isaiah (actor), Jewell Loyd (Seattle Storm guard), Micah Parsons (Dallas Cowboys linebacker), Lilly Singh (entertainer), SiR (artist), Dylan Wang (actor).

Read More: NBA All-Star Game Injury Report: Will LeBron James Suit Up for the West After Sitting Out in the Last Lakers Game?

Meanwhile, Stephen A. Smith’s team consists of Adam Blackstone (musician), Natasha Cloud (Phoenix Mercury guard), Jennifer Hudson (artist), Tristan Jass (content creator), AJ McLean (artist), Kwame Onwuachi (chef), Metta World Peace (ex-NBA player), Jack Ryan (basketball entertainer), C.J. Stroud (Houston Texans quarterback), Gianmarco Tamberi (Olympic high jumper).

Who would get the upper hand in the Celebrity All-Star Game? Shannon Sharpe or Stephen A. Smith? Let us know in the comments below!

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