TNT Sports commentator Kenny Smith is standing by his controversial comments about WNBA star Sabrina Ionescu, despite facing criticism on social media. During the NBA’s All-Star weekend, Smith made remarks about Ionescu’s performance in a friendly one-on-one shootout against Stephen Curry. While appearing on The Stephen A. Smith Show, Smith clarified that his intention was not to criticize Ionescu but rather advocate for her.
Smith explained that his comments were centered around the concept of muscle memory in basketball. He argued that Curry had an advantage in the shootout because he practices shooting from a different range than Ionescu. Smith cited a study involving dart throwing, which showed that even a slight change in distance can significantly impact accuracy. He emphasized that shooting is all about muscle memory and not influenced by gender or genetics.
In the shootout, Curry emerged as the winner, beating Ionescu by 3 points with a total score of 29. Despite her close loss to Curry, Smith maintained that Ionescu should have shot from the WNBA 3-point line to level the playing field. He believed that using the women’s line would have made the contest fairer.
Smith’s co-commentator Reggie Miller questioned his remark, expressing his disagreement with putting boundaries on Ionescu. However, Smith stood by his comment, comparing it to the existence of separate tees in golf for men and women. Miller continued to challenge Smith’s statement but ultimately voiced his support for Ionescu, encouraging her not to let anyone limit her potential.
The controversy surrounding Smith’s comments quickly spread on social media, with even NBA player Joel Embiid chiming in with a humorous remark on X (formerly known as Twitter). Despite the criticism, Smith remains firm in his stance and continues to root for Ionescu.
The debate sparked by Smith’s comments highlights the ongoing discussions surrounding gender equality and opportunities for female athletes. While some argue that separate standards and boundaries are necessary, others advocate for a level playing field where athletes can compete based solely on their skills and abilities. As the conversation continues, it is essential to consider the perspectives of all parties involved and work towards creating an inclusive and fair sports environment.