{
  "id": 11652480,
  "title": "Stephen A. Smith calls out hypocrites over NBA’s sportsbook partnerships, but pardons Victor Wembanyama",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/03/stephen-a-smith-calls-out-hypocrites-over-nbas-sportsbook",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-03T09:36:03.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/stephen-smith-calls-hypocrites-over-093603714.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Stephen A. Smith has come to Victor Wembanyama's defense, praising the San Antonio Spurs center for his stance against promoting sports betting platforms. Wembanyama recently stated his opposition to such endorsements, calling it \"very sad\" to see his fellow NBA players promoting them. Notable players like LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo have recently agreed to lucrative deals with sports betting platforms, raising questions about the ethics of athlete endorsements. However, Smith does not share the same concerns, arguing that the inconsistency and hypocrisy in this matter is glaring. On his own YouTube channel and during an appearance on ESPN's First Take, Smith defended Wembanyama, stating that the Spurs player's decision to refrain from promoting betting sites is commendable, as he recognizes the potential negative impacts. Smith also drew parallels to the LIV Golf controversy, where individual golfers faced criticism for leaving the PGA. The NBA has partnerships with DraftKings and FanDuel, making it unfair to expect players to decline lucrative deals with these betting platforms. Nonetheless, Smith acknowledged Wembanyama's perspective on national television and his YouTube channel, demonstrating his respect for the Spurs star's opinion on an issue that has divided the sports world.",
  "summary": "Stephen A. Smith has once again come in support of Victor Wembanyama’s statement on not promoting betting platforms.",
  "key_points": [
    "Stephen A. Smith defends Victor Wembanyama against NBA sportsbook partnerships criticism.",
    "Wembanyama opposes NBA players promoting sports betting platforms, calling it \"very sad\".",
    "Smith acknowledges Wembanyama's perspective on national television and YouTube."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}