Photo of Stephen A. Smith in ’embarrassing’ act during NBA Finals goes viral
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Stephen A. Smith is facing scrutiny over his professionalism after the ESPN analyst was caught playing solitaire on his phone during the NBA Finals on Friday night.
As the Indiana Pacers hosted the Oklahoma City Thunder at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, a home fan sitting in the upper bowl of the arena captured Smith looking far more engrossed in his card game than the action on court.
The sports commentator was working for ESPN on the night, meaning he was required to provide analysis before, during and after the game.
However, X user @BleedBlue1986 wrote to Smith after sharing the photo: ”How can you have all of these opinions while you’re playing solitaire instead of watching the game @stephenasmith?’
It was initially unclear whether the image was genuine or not, despite the photographer – whose name is Kimberly – insisting she took it during the third quarter.
And after the snap of his bizarre solitaire session went viral, Smith confirmed that it is real.
He responded on X: ‘Yep! That’s me. Who would’ve thought….I can multi-task. Especially during TIMEOUTS! Hope y’all are enjoying the NBA Finals. This is going 7 games now, peeps!’
ESPN broadcaster Stephen A. Smith looks to be caught playing solitaire during Game 4
Smith is one of the more opinionated members of the media about the NBA in recent weeks
Yet Kimberly hit back in an instant, shutting down Smith’s claim that it was captured during a timeout.
‘Fool, this was you during game play,’ she replied along with another picture of him tackling the card game. ‘There’s videos. You started this new round during timeouts.’
Another video circulating on social media appears to show Smith playing solitaire while Pacers and Thunders players are very much in action on the court.
Basketball fans were far from impressed by his lack of focus on the game.
‘That’s embarrassing,’ one user said about Smith’s behavior while working for ESPN.
‘He is a disgrace,’ another claimed.
DailyMail.com also reached out to Smith’s representatives for comment.
The Thunder went on a 12-1 run in the final three minutes of the game to stun the Pacers in the 111-104 victory to tie the NBA Finals at two games apiece.
NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had a game-high 35 points to lead all scorers, including a 12-for-24 mark from the field.
