Stephen A. Smith. Jim Cowsert/Getty Images

Stephen A. Smith Shares Honest Opinion On ESPN Firing Robert Griffin III

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Jul 11, 2025 11:16 AM ET

Former ESPN analyst Robert Griffin III is making headlines this week for the wrong reasons. The former NFL quarterback is getting ripped to shreds for comments he made about WNBA star Angel Reese.

On Thursday afternoon, Griffin responded to a racist social media graphic that was aimed at Reese. There was a post going around that took her NBA 2K26 cover and depicted her as an animal. It was incredibly messed up and showed just how awful some fans are towards her.

Instead of fully denouncing this racist post, Griffin added fuel to the fire by reporting that Reese "has grown to hate" Caitlin Clark.

"I never attacked her or her family when I stated and backed up with clear basketball evidence that Angel Reese hates Caitlin Clark. It’s sports. Everybody won’t like each other," Griffin wrote on X. "People in Angel’s inner circle called me and told me I was right and Angel Reese has grown to hate Caitlin Clark because of the media always asking her about Caitlin and being constantly compared to her."

Griffin released a follow-up statement after being slammed by countless media members.

"I spoke up in support of Angel Reese against racism not to start drama. But I won’t let anyone twist the truth just because it’s inconvenient to them. Instead of trying to check me, just tighten up your circle. They calling me and saying you hate Caitlin Clark, not the other way around. I have zero interest in being the villain in anyone’s story. I just want to have fun, tell the truth and celebrate sports. But I won’t pretend or lie just to protect feelings."

One person who hasn't said anything about this controversial situation is ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith. However, his opinion of Griffin has already been shared before.

Roughly a year ago, Griffin was let go by ESPN. It was a decision that shocked plenty of people, especially since it was made right before the start of the 2025 season.

A few months after the move was made, Smith admit that he wasn't a fan of ESPN parting ways with Griffin.

"First of all let me state for the record, at First Take, you did a hell of a job. Secondly, I think you are a talent on the airwaves," Smith said. "I don't know why others haven't gobbled you up. Number 3, I didn't want you gone. I said that too."

Smith might have a lot of pull at ESPN, but even he couldn't save Griffin's job.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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