Stephen A has made controversial remarks on-air; comments that many viewers find insensitive or dismissive. Some observers say Smith treats Black women or Black athletes more harshly than his treatment of white athletes, or doesn’t apply equal scrutiny across the board. For example, former NBA player Stephen Jackson accused him of being much more aggressive when criticizing Black women than when interacting with white billionaires. Some critics argue Smith sometimes frames protests or athlete activism in a way that downplays their concerns or questions their motives. His recent tantrum of bashing LeBron James has some saying that was the last straw.