Stephen A. Smith‘s controversial takes are nothing new to the public. But NBA veterans and experts calling out the ESPN analyst for one of his controversial actions has attracted people’s interest. It started with former NBA player Isiah Thomas sharing his opinion on Smith’s latest segment of the ‘First Take’. The two turned their social media handles into their battleground, exchanging shots at each other. For those who might not know, Thomas wasn’t impressed with Smith’s criticism of his good friend and mentee Jaylen Brown. But this is not so simple.

Smith later clarified his stance again on X. Here is what happened.

What did Stephen A. Smith say about Jaylen Brown?

During his show, the analyst conveyed a message on Boston Celtics star Brown from an anonymous source. However, he clarified that he only did his job which was to share the message but he doesn’t agree with the statement by the source. The comment said that people do not like Brown because of his ego. It further read he is not “marketable” for the same reason.

He said, “I wanted to read to y’all what an NBA source just sent me. He said, ‘Jaylen Brown, it’s not so much that he’s underrated, it’s that he’s just not liked because of his I-am-better-than-you attitude. He knows it.” Smith further added, “It’s the same reason he is not as marketable as he should be.’ That’s what an NBA source just sent me.”

While Smith did make his stance clear, netizens continued to criticize the analyst. It took another turn when NBA legend Thomas defended Brown.

Isiah Thomas confronts Stephen A. Smith over his controversial take

Like many, Thomas wasn’t impressed with Smith speaking on behalf of an anonymous source. Taking a stand for his good friend Brown, the former Detroit Pistons guard clapped back at him. The NBA champ said that he has known Brown for many years and is certain that the player is marketable and his name shouldn’t be slandered. He furthermore asked Smith to reveal the name of this anonymous source.

Taking to his X handle, the 2x NBA champion wrote, “I have been a friend, mentor and advisor to @FCHWPO since he was a student at UC Berkeley he is 100 percent marketable and before you slander his name @stephenasmith tell your source to put their name on it or don’t speak on it. Let it be known.”

Smith didn’t take it lightly. He wanted Thomas to speak to him directly instead of calling him out on X.

Stephen A. Smith defends himself

However, Smith too took to X to clear the air with Thomas. He wrote that he has always been a fan of Brown and in no way has agreed to the statement. In response to the accusations directed at him, Smith wrote, “I have no idea what you’re talking about @IsiahThomas. I have been a fan of Jaylen Brown for years. Still am. What’s unfortunate is that YOU — who’s known for me decades — would choose to go on X to expressed whatever dissent you feel instead of calling me directly.”

Furthermore, he wrote that he believes that Brown is “a great dude and player.” He supports him and will continue to do so. “But I get it. It’s a pattern several folks have used vs me recently, suddenly forgetting communication we’ve always had,” Smith wrote on X.

Is the Isiah Thomas and Stephen A. Smith beef over?

Soon after that, Thomas wrote another message on X stating that he has no personal feud with him. He also urged Smith to have a conversation with him whenever their schedules align. “All love between you and I @stephenasmith let’s talk when time permits,” Thomas wrote on X later.

However, all he wants is that the next time anyone has anything to say about a player, they should reveal their name too, and not through Smith. “Tell your source to stand on their words and not use you to throw their stones,” Thomas demanded.

There has always been an issue with Smith sharing a message from an unreliable and unknown source on TV. Numerous began to make the same demand. That also includes Brown himself.

Stephen A. Smith refused to give in to Jaylen Brown’s demands

Soon after Thomas’ comment, Brown himself hopped on the war. Like many, the 3x NBA All-Star asked Smith to reveal the source’s name. However, as usual, the analyst refused to share the name with the fans. In response to Brown’s comment, Smith said “First off, that’s not happening. It’s journalism. Not revealing sources.”

Following this, he went on to explain how both Smith and his co-host Kendrick Perkins disagreed with the statement. Smith stated that even if Brown deserves all the achievements he has been crowned with so far, that doesn’t mean the naysayers’ or critics’ comments won’t be shared.

While there could be criticism toward Brown, he has been undeniably phenomenal in the playoffs. His clutch three-point shot in Game 1 against the Pacers was crucial to lead the Celtics to win 133-128. Both Thomas and Smith seemed to have resolved the issue, but the question of believing an unreliable source is still in doubt among netizens.

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato had to say about the marketing genius, watch this video.