“From Rigged Calls to Redemption: Stephen A. Smith Prepares for Celebrity Game Battle!”
As the countdown to the 2024 NBA All-Star Weekend begins, anticipation is building for the highly anticipated All-Star Celebrity Game, where sports media icons Stephen A. Smith and Shannon Sharpe are set to square off as head coaches. In a recent episode of ESPN’s “First Take,” Smith didn’t mince words when expressing his confidence in facing Sharpe on the sidelines.
“Shannon Sharpe…you can parade down the sidelines all you want to,” Smith boldly declared. “You ain’t intimidating nobody. And it damn sure ain’t gonna be me. Indy, here I come.”
This won’t be Smith’s first rodeo as an All-Star Celebrity coach, having previously led a team in the 2020 All-Star Weekend. However, this time, he’s determined to make a statement against his opponent, Shannon Sharpe.
Joining Smith on the sidelines will be Las Vegas Aces player A’ja Wilson and rapper Lil Wayne, adding to the star-studded lineup of his coaching staff. On the other hand, Sharpe’s coaching squad boasts NFL legend Peyton Manning and rapper 50 Cent, setting the stage for an epic showdown.
Reflecting on his previous coaching stint in 2020, Smith expressed frustration over a controversial technical foul he received during the game against Michael Wilbon’s team. “It was a rigged job, man,” Smith exclaimed on ESPN’s “Get Up.” “I was set up to fail.”
The moment became television gold as Smith, known for his fiery personality, unleashed his frustration on the officials. Despite the setback, Smith’s passion for basketball and competitive spirit remained undiminished.
As the 2024 All-Star Celebrity Game approaches, fans are eagerly awaiting the clash between Smith and Sharpe, two formidable personalities known for their outspokenness and charisma. With the stage set for redemption, Smith is determined to leave his mark on this year’s event, promising a spectacle that will keep fans on the edge of their seats.
In what promises to be a thrilling showdown between two titans of sports media, the 2024 NBA All-Star Celebrity Game is shaping up to be an unforgettable event. So mark your calendars and get ready for a showdown of epic proportions as Smith and Sharpe go head-to-head on the hardwood.
“Shannon Sharpe … you can parade down the sidelines all you want to,” Smith said, ” You ain’t intimidating nobody. It damn sure ain’t gonna be me. And top of it all, he can’t intimidate the officials. … Indy here I come.”
.@stephenasmith is already chirping about coaching against @ShannonSharpe in the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game 👀
“Shannon Sharpe … you can parade down the sidelines all you want to, you ain’t intimidating nobody. It damn sure ain’t gonna be me.” pic.twitter.com/o6TzLi2phN
— First Take (@FirstTake) February 7, 2024
“It was a rigged job man,” Smith said. “First of all, I had one ball-handler … they gave me about 5-6 people under 5’0″ feet tall. Chicago, Wilbon, the NBA together because Wilbon is so lovable … but to rig it for Wilbon, for Wilbon of all people. … There were a lot of calls that were not called. I couldn’t win anything. It was ridiculous. … I was set up to fail.”
