Blake Griffin has always had a knack for comedy, but his latest attempt at humor is drawing sharp criticism from NBA fans. The former No. 1 overall pick is set to debut his new late-night style show, “The Stepback,” on October 20 on Prime Video and YouTube, but a trailer released this week has already stirred controversy.
In the clip, Griffin looks into the camera and quips, “not all podcasts have to be video,” while a still image of ESPN NBA insider Brian Windhorst appears on screen. Windhorst, a beloved figure in the basketball community, quickly became the target of what many perceive as a cheap shot.
Social media erupted with disapproval. One fan wrote, “Lame to do this 👎,” while another simply stated, “Not cool.” Others piled on, with comments like “This is lame” and “Are you allowed to say this isn’t funny or will a group of people call you woke for not laughing?”
However, not everyone was offended. Some fans found the jab harmless, with one tweeting, “Rare cold shot at Windy. Once in a while? Oh, why not. Have fun.” Another responded with laughing emojis.
Griffin, 37, has long shown an aptitude for comedy, from stand-up routines to podcast appearances and acting gigs. “The Stepback” is his most ambitious comedic venture yet—a weekly sports-themed show where he sits behind a desk, riffing on the biggest stories in sports. According to the show’s press release, Griffin brings “a smart blend of late-night comedy and cultural analysis” to a live studio audience.
In a statement, Griffin expressed his excitement: “I’ve watched and idolized shows like The Daily Show and Last Week Tonight, so to follow in their footsteps while putting my own stamp on the genre is an amazing opportunity that I’m grateful to take part in.”
Yet this incident raises questions about the line between playful banter and disrespect, especially when it targets a well-respected journalist like Windhorst. The backlash echoes similar controversies in sports media, such as the recent accusations against Emmitt Smith or the staged fan interaction allegations involving the Browns.
Windhorst, known for his extensive coverage of the NBA and his close ties to LeBron James, has a loyal following. Many fans feel that mocking his appearance is beneath Griffin, who should know better given his own experience in the spotlight.
As “The Stepback” prepares for its debut, Griffin will have to decide whether to address the controversy or let the show speak for itself. Either way, this is not the kind of buzz he likely hoped for.
