“As athletes, we have a problem with Skips, the Stephen A’s, these people…” Former NBA star Kenyon Martin had previously called out the journalist for driving media narratives against the players. Even Gilbert Arenas has a history of going back and forth against the analysts. Last year, the Arenas’ crew beefed with Stephen A. Smith over his statement about Jaylen Brown’s marketability. It seems the feud is still continuing in 2025!
Thanks to Agent Zero, who appeared as a guest analyst on ESPN’s First Take a few days ago. Later, when Gilbert Arenas did his podcast with his crew, he first spoke about the difference between the formats. “Well, you know obviously it’s not our style, where we can go back and forth, you know everything is kind of like timed. ” Hearing this, crewmate Martin waved his hand and asked about Smith ducking the podcast.
“So what happened to him supposed to come here?” Josiah Johnson, the host of the podcast, added, “I believe he said a couple weeks, it has been 130 days. We’re counting 130 days!” During their beef in October, Stephen A. Smith on his YouTube show made it clear he would appear on the podcast. That’s why the crew questioned Gilbert Arenas when the ESPN analyst will follow through on his promise.
Agent Zero further specified that Smith had commitments with the network, so it will have to be a Friday show for all parties to work. That’s incensed Kenyon Martin further. “We shoot Monday through Thursday 11:30 to 2, make time.” The former Nuggets star continued, “You made time to go when his a– was on there right? He can make time when we on air to bring his a– on the show.” Gilbert Arenas then confirmed Smith’s intention of coming to the show, “He said he ready.”
Origins of the current Gilbert Arenas’ crew and ESPN analyst beef
As stated previously, Gil’s Arenas have no interest in media personalities pulling down players just based on accolades. They felt that NBA stars are much more than that, but media always decides based on achievements. Last year, SAS on his show called Jaylen Brown not a marketable player, based on sources. Gilbert Arenas called it out, “You are not important, you are a vessel for information. You are a preacher, not god.”
Oct 23, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Stephen A. Smith (Stephen Smith) on the ESPN NBA Countdown live set at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Later, Stephen A. Smith would send remarks from his YouTube channel. “… Get the hell over it. It doesn’t happen.” Then he would send a challenge to Rashad McCants. “Rashad McCants, yeah, we’ll talk bro. I can’t wait for that conversation… the second I get an invite, the second I have time, we’re going to have those conversations.”
McCants dressed up the set with skeletons and even a body bag and sent Smith an intimidating message. So, yes, it’s that challenge from months ago that Gilbert Arenas’ crew sent to SAS. And as per Agent Zero, the ESPN analyst is on board. It will be interesting to see how two different formats show co-exist. No doubt it will have fireworks, and previous disagreements will also be explored.
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