Stephen A. Smith & Rich Paul – Source: Allen Berezovsky / Getty
Stephen A. Smith recalls an argument with Rich Paul over him ranking LeBron James number 2 all-time and telling him ‘Get The F**K Out My Face’.
This year Stephen A. Smith has put a strong focus on his digital footprint outside of television. With his loaded schedule, you’d think fans would get tired of him being everywhere but they are not. His podcast The Stephen A. Smith Show gives an unfiltered side of the sports personality. Perhaps, the best part is he doesn’t hold back and spills tea everywhere. Along with his podcast and Youtube, he has started appearing on other digital outlets and isn’t avoiding any questions.
According to Sports Illustrated, Stephen A dropped by Paul George’s podcast and got candid about an interesting confrontation with Rich Paul. Allegedly Rich Paul confronted him over his ranking of LeBron James on his all-time list and Stephen A. wasn’t going for it.
“I got him as the second-best player in the history of basketball. I got him ahead of Kareem. I got him behind nobody but Jordan,” Smith said. “I said to Mr. Chirper himself, Rich Paul, ‘You act like that’s an insult.’ This dude [says], ‘It is an insult.’ I said, ‘Get the f**k out of my face.’”
Smith went on to break down how being #2 under Michael Jordan isn’t bad nor would he let it be considered disrespect. Furthermore, he was befuddled by the audacity of Rich Paul to even mention the rankings.
“When you’re going to treat me like I’m disrespecting, by calling him, in the history of a game that started in 1947, disrespecting a man by having him No. 2 all time, you have lost your damn mind,” Smith said. “I’m not talking to you.”
This is one of those situations when you can clearly see where both sides are coming from. For Smith ranking anyone number 2 is giving them their flowers. However, for Rich Paul, that’s his brother and business partner and he should feel he is number 1. Additionally, it’s a topic no one ever agrees on, so they usually agree to disagree. You can watch Smith tell the story below as Paul George awkwardly makes sure not to say anything either way.
