“A Lot of People Don’t Know Who You Are..”: Radio Rockstar Howard Stern Gets a Taste of His Own Reality Laced Medicine After Getting Ignored by NBA Players

Before the talk show universe became synonymous with Joe Rogan and his wildly viral podcast, there was his controversial predecessor, Howard Stern. Past the peak of his radio interviewing success, Stern is somehow still fighting to stay relevant. And he hasn’t been a fan of the attention towards him dwindling over the years. Recently, the comedian made headlines as he blamed racial prejudice for NBA players not greeting him at games.

During a recent visit to Madison Square Garden, Howard Stern was not pleased with the courtside treatment he received. However, the racial angle has mostly been mocked by the sporting community, with most blaming Stern’s lack of popularity among the youth, as opposed to it being anything about race. Former NFL Pro Bowler, Marcellus Wiley, ripped into the SiriusXM radio host for his baseless assumptions.

Howard Stern received a stern reply from Marcellus Wiley

“They put me courtside. And the black players won’t come over and say hello to me,” Stern said. “I just get upset. You know, fame to me is very important. I’ll admit it. I like people to recognize me. And I’d like to think it’s a white thing, not my personality. I hope it’s racial. That’s all.”

This did not sit well with former San Diego Chargers’ defensive end Marcellus Wiley who kicked off the ‘Who do you think you are’ segment on his YouTube show with Stern. “The audacity of this Howard Stern,” Wiley started, before adding more. “Howard, a lot of people don’t know who you are. Just like a lot of people don’t know who I am. So get off that horse. That high horse.”

Howard Stern ran one of the most popular radio talk show interviews called The Howard Stern Show. The nationally syndicated show ran from 1986 to 2005. Since then, the 69-year-old radio personality has hosted his show on SiriusXM radio. More than the radio fame though, it was Stern’s childhood background that played a role in these statements.

So why is this such a big deal for Stern?

Stern says players have ignored him because they don’t know his background and upbringing. “I grew up in a black neighborhood. I mean, they should know that. But I get ignored,” Stern said. However, he claimed that the situation is slightly different when it comes to the referees. “You know who comes up to me sometimes? The referees,” he added. “White referees and black.”

ALSO READ: Tom Brady’s Emotional Retirement Explained in 400 Words

Wiley had a response ready for that. “These referees are older than the players. They are like their daddies and granddaddies. You talk about them recognizing you, yeah. But these kids don’t know who we know. Stop playing. Ain’t nobody tripping on you,” Wiley said.

Looks like Wiley was right as former NBA player and champion JR Smith reiterated the same sentiment. “I’m sorry but what basketball player listens to him lol I don’t think I’ve met one! Black or not,” he tweeted.

The Knicks locker room can just give a nod of acknowledgement the next time they spot Stern with his Afro cut by the MSG courtside. For now, their focus remains on the playoff series with the Miami Heat, as the latter leads 2-1.

WATCH THIS STORY: JJ Watt’s NFL DPOY brother TJ Watt shows off soccer skills