Stephen A Smith apologizes to Jalen Brunson for doubting the Knicks
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ESPN star Stephen A. Smith has long been one of the New York Knicks’ biggest critics, but the New York City native struck a different tone this week.
Days after the Knicks won their first NBA championship in more than five decades, the longtime “First Take” host joined Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart for a live taping of their matchup. “The Roommates Show” podcast. The event was broadcast live from the Infosys Theater at Madison Square Garden on Friday, a day after the Knicks’ long-awaited championship parade.
Smith was faced with boos shortly after being welcomed onto the stage. The noise grew louder when Hart said he kept notes of Smith’s past Knicks critiques in mind.
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New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson celebrates with teammates after the Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs in game five of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center on June 13, 2026 in San Antonio, Texas. (Geoff Burke/Imagn Images)
One of Hart’s notes focused on Smith’s claim that Villanova’s 2016 national championship squad lacked NBA-caliber prospects. Hart, Brunson and Mikal Bridges later became NBA draft picks and helped fuel the Knicks’ championship run. Brunson signed with New York in 2022; It was a move that Smith immediately rejected, declaring guard. “that’s not the answer” For the Knicks.
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After revisiting Smith’s past comments, Hart pointed to the championship trophy next to him and pressed the 58-year-old to acknowledge his remarks. “We’re sitting here right now with this golden cup on your right. Can you sit here and admit you were wrong?”
New York Knicks forward Josh Hart looks on after defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers in game three of the 2026 NBA playoffs Eastern Conference finals at Rocket Arena on May 23, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. (David Richard/Imagn Images)
Smith did not back down. Instead he He offered an apology. To Brunson, Hart and the Knicks organization.
“I was wrong. I apologize to this brother of mine on national television; I apologize to you; I apologize to the entire Knicks organization. Let me be very, very clear; I have never been happier in my life to be wrong. Let me be very, very clear; I came out of the womb as a Knicks fan. I am 58 years old. The last time the New York Knicks won a championship before last Saturday was 4 years old.”
Stephen A. Smith is on set during a live broadcast of ESPN’s “First Take” at Clark Atlanta University and Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia, on November 8, 2024. (Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
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But Smith suggested his apology came with a caveat: If years of criticism had helped end the Knicks’ championship drought, he’d happily do it again.
“So I apologize if I was wrong,” Smith continued. “But let me be very clear: If it means another championship, I would do it again.”
The podcast episode also featured Karl-Anthony Towns, Miles McBride and former Knicks star Carmelo Anthony.
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