The USC Trojans’ hopes of winning the Big Dance took a huge hit. The Round of 32 matchup against Mississippi State will be remembered for all the wrong reasons. JuJu Watkins, arguably USC’s best player, tore her ACL. Tributes started pouring in from all over the world. Analysts were heartbroken to see such a bright talent face such a serious injury. But one person’s comments about JuJu sparked all the negative reactions you could imagine.

JuJu was unstoppable this season! Averaging nearly 24 points and 7 rebounds, she had USC set up for a deep run in the Big Dance. The minimum expectation? Go further than last season’s Elite 8 finish. They’ve made it back to the Elite 8 without their star by knocking off Kansas. But to keep the dance going, they’ll need to get past UConn. However, a certain analyst’s comments about JuJu sparked a bigger controversy leading up to the Trojans’ showdown with the Huskies.

This analyst is none other than ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith. According to Sara Jane Gamelli, Smith addressed JuJu as JuJu Smith-Schuster. This didn’t sit well with the journalist, and she made her feelings known on X.

Fans weren’t happy, and they made sure Stephen A heard it. Social media lit up with criticism as he found himself in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. Let’s take a look at some of the fan reactions.

Fans fume as Stephen A. makes a blunder with JuJu Watkins

Most of the fans were furious with the way Stephen A. addressed JuJu, and they made their feelings known.. “He’s an ignorant, uneducated carnival act” commented one fan. Another joined in saying, “He said what? SMH.” Lately, Stephen A. has been in the headlines for all the wrong reasons. After signing a new 5-year, $100 million deal, he’s found himself embroiled in controversy after controversy. Everyone remembers what happened with LeBron–and now this! For someone making millions, fans can expect him to at least pronounce a name correctly, right?

Another fan joined in to remind everyone how Stephen A had made it sound that the former Arkansas coach Nolan Richardson had passed away. “I mean, he also said Nolan Richardson was dead last week! Bet Nolan had a little bit to say about that. Honestly wish they would just shut him down!” said the fan about the issue. Stephen A had to come out and apologize about it and it shows that even the best of them can make mistakes.

Stephen A found himself in hot water again after a controversial comment directed at former UConn alum Napheesa Collier. He suggested she should be happy JuJu got injured because it opened the door for the Huskies to reach the Final Four. “Stephen A has no shame. Telling Collier she should be feeling good about UConn because JuJu got hurt is a bad look,” one fan commented, echoing the frustration of many. It’s been a rough couple of weeks for Stephen A–too many controversies.

But should he really be blasted for mispronouncing a name? Not everyone thinks so! “It’s an easy mistake, and he actually caught himself before he finished the name,” said one fan defending the sportscaster. Credit to Stephen A. for correcting himself immediately. But here’s a question for all the women’s hoops fans–does it help if you don’t want the biggest voice in sports media talking about your game? Let us know your thoughts down in the comments!