Stephen A. Rips Critics for Solitaire Diss, Will Stop Being 'Very Nice and Very Quiet'

ESPN's Stephen A. Smith is starting his vacation following the conclusion of the 2024-25 NBA season, but he had some parting shots for his critics before he left.

During this week's episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show, he spent nearly 13 minutes firing back at the pundits who criticized him. He addressed being caught playing Solitaire during the third quarter of an NBA Finals game, and he also spoke out against the notion that he's a hindrance to ESPN's NBA coverage.

Toward the end of his rant, Smith sent a warning that he will be coming back from his vacation with a different demeanor and won't be showing as much restraint going forward.

"I think I've gotten too mellow. I think I've been very nice, very quiet, and I haven't come out with the fire that I'm accustomed to coming out with," Smith said around the 7:24 mark. "I actually think I've been more mild-mannered. I don't believe I've told enough people to kiss my ass. I don't think I've told enough people, 'You can go kick rocks.' I don't believe that I've said enough about the people who talk s--t about me, lying all the damn time. That's going to end."

Smith's defiance should come as no surprise. In the immediate aftermath of being caught playing Solitaire during Game 4 of the NBA Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers, he said during an appearance on SiriusXM NBA Radio that the people calling him out for it can "kiss my ass."

Smith is ESPN's highest-paid on-air talent after signing a contract extension that totals $100 million and averages $20 million annually. When he returns to the air in August following his vacation, it can be expected that he won't be holding back his fiery nature.