Stephen A. Smith calls out NFL star for disrespectful behavior
Eugene Powers/Shutterstock.com Stephen A. Smith criticizes Bills safety Stephen Anthony Smith, an ESPN sports commentator, criticized Buffalo Bills safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson following the team’s October 4, 2026, defeat against the New England Patriots. His criticism concerned comments about receiver Efton Chism III. During ESPN’s First Take on October 5, Smith described Gardner-Johnson’s…
ESPN sports commentator Stephen A. Smith criticized Buffalo Bills safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson following the team's October 4, 2026, loss to the New England Patriots. He called Gardner-Johnson's comments about receiver Efton Chism III classless and described him as a sore loser. The October 4 game ended with New England defeating Buffalo 29-26.
Gardner-Johnson questioned Chism's touchdown reception, suggesting that Chism would struggle to repeat the catch against NFL competition. Stephen A. Smith defended Chism on ESPN's First Take, arguing that NFL players should respect their opponents' achievements. The controversy came after Efton Chism III had caught a 23-yard touchdown pass from Drake Maye in the fourth quarter, helping set up the Patriots' winning two-point conversion.
Stephen A. Smith also disputed Gardner-Johnson's claim that Chism was a practice squad player, stating that Chism had earned a spot on the active roster. The Buffalo Bills had entered the game with a 3-0 record, but the loss ended their unbeaten start, leaving them at 3-1.
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