When you talk on television every day like Stephen A. Smith does, you’re probably going to make a mistake or two. So many headlines and topics to discuss, and it’s a challenge to sit and be well-informed on all matters pertaining to whatever sport you’re talking about. However, when you are in the position that Smith is, people tend to hold you to a high standard.
On the latest episode of ESPN’s First Take, Smith was talking about Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, and he may have put his foot in his mouth this time. What makes matters worse is the fact that what he was saying was directly contradicted by the screen behind him showing the exact opposite of what he was saying.
Obviously an awkward moment, but NFL fans did not miss the opportunity to jump on the situation and let Smith know all about the unsubstantiated criticism.
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NFL Fans Mock Stephen A. Smith
Right when Smith was in the middle of saying that all Tua has to do is throw it two yards and let Tyreek Hill do the rest as a way to diminish his play, ESPN was running a play showing the exact opposite going on behind him.
Stephen A on live TV claiming Tua only throws 2 yard passes to Tyreek while a highlight of Tua throwing a 50 yard in stride bomb plays in the background perfectly epitomizes how embarrassing the Tua discourse is within the sports media world pic.twitter.com/MsyKzG425y
— VBS (@VBSofficial_) October 17, 2023
“I don’t know if y’all watch Miami enough. All of these passes ain’t for 19, 20, 30, 40 yards. You just got Tua dipping it for two yards to him, and he the one taking it to the house.”
While those words are categorically false, it’s not often that a direct contradiction is set behind the man while he says it.
As a result, NFL fans — more specifically, Dolphins fans — were on Smith about it almost immediately.
While the B-roll is showing throws 20 and 40 yards downfield lol https://t.co/I9oeRoifVW
— Travis Wingfield (@WingfieldNFL) October 17, 2023
Not ideal when your own B-Roll is the biggest counterargument against you.
ESPN and Stephen A Smith are embarrassing https://t.co/1ETFOHVcs3
— Birdman (@halfbirdhalfman) October 17, 2023
Can’t lie. This was a pretty embarrassing moment for Smith.
While showing a bomb to Tyreek, the other 2 nodding vigorously in agreement. This is amazing. https://t.co/7IdGcCpLyM
— Dan Scaravailoa (@DScarano11) October 17, 2023
Not a great look for the First Take crew on this one.
Tua Is Playing As Well as Any One
Despite Smith’s comments, it’s tough to argue with how well Tua and the Dolphins’ offense is playing this year.
MORE: PFN Life — Off-the-Field Content
Behind the play of Tagovailoa and the play-calling of head coach Mike McDaniel, the Dolphins have looked like the most prolific offense in the NFL.
Miami is currently 5-1 on the season and looks to be one of the top teams in the AFC to contend for a Super Bowl appearance. Tua has been a big part of that, regardless of what Smith and his cast members think of that.