Stephen A. Tells Trolls to 'Kiss My Ass' Over Viral Video of Solitaire at NBA Finals

ESPN's Stephen A. Smith had a very clear message to the critics who have circulated and reacted to a video of him playing solitaire on his phone during an NBA Finals game.

Smith said Tuesday on SiriusXM NBA Radio he "was doing what the hell I always do" and that anybody calling him out can "kiss my ass":

Smith initially defended himself by saying he was on his phone during a break in play. However, Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is in the process of completing a fast-break layup as the video starts:

It's not just fans who are taking the ESPN personality to account. Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant reposted the image on Instagram and included the caption, "C'mon Steve":

Smith is no different from the athletes he provides takes about.

In March, the 57-year-old signed an extension with ESPN that totals $100 million and averages $20 million annually. He's the highest-paid on-air talent at the company.

Just like a star player who signs a big contract, the attention and scrutiny toward Smith will be higher than ever.

In the grand scheme of things, Smith turning his attention away from the court in the third quarter of a Finals game isn't a major controversy. His analysis isn't any better or worse from having missed what preceded Gilgeous-Alexander's layup.

But it doesn't make for great optics when one of ESPN's most visible faces is checking out—no matter how briefly—in the middle of a Finals game he's working.