Stephen A. Smith is backtracking after a wave of criticism from NFL fans and players over his comments about Lane Johnson's retirement. On Wednesday, the ESPN host apologized, claiming his words were taken out of context.
During Wednesday's episode of First Take, Smith mocked Johnson's decision to step away from the Eagles just four games into the 2026 season. Johnson, who has been open about his mental health struggles throughout his career, cited those issues as a reason for retiring now.
Smith, in a sarcastic tone, impersonated Johnson: "You know what, 'I'm going to call it quits.' Now, he calls it quits. Not before the season. Not in the offseason. No, no, no." He went on to question why Johnson would retire mid-season, saying, "Four games into the 2026 season, a dude that has been in the league forever, sits back and says, 'I need to focus on my mental health.' As an offensive tackle, lord, you know it is bad."
The backlash was swift. NFL writer Brett Kollman called the comments "incredibly insensitive," while former players Geoff Schwartz and Sean Salisbury also weighed in. Schwartz wrote, "What a (expletive) take. Clearly has no idea why he retired or any backstory," and Salisbury added, "Lane Johnson gives the league 14 years and decides to focus on mental health and his family, yet a guy in a coat and tie sits at a desk having never lined up for a snap in his life and gets to decide when a man should stop playing. Pathetic!"
In response, Smith issued an apology on Wednesday, saying, "I'm sorry that when I was on television earlier this morning…people misconstrued me minimizing mental health. I would never do that." He went on to share his own struggles after his mother's death, revealing that he spent two years in a "misery" and sought therapy, which he credits with saving his life.
Despite his apology, many feel that Smith's initial reaction was the real story. His mocking tone and laughter suggested a lack of empathy, and the apology, while acknowledging the misunderstanding, didn't fully address the insensitivity of his words.
This isn't the first time Smith has found himself in hot water over his takes. He's been involved in clashes with players like C.J. Gardner-Johnson and has faced criticism for his commentary on A'ja Wilson's confrontation with a fan. The pattern of controversial remarks has led some to question whether his style is more about ratings than respect.
For Johnson, the decision to retire is a personal one, and many in the football community have rallied around him, emphasizing that mental health should always come first. As the Eagles move forward without their veteran tackle, the conversation about how the media covers such sensitive topics continues.
Smith's apology may have been intended to quell the anger, but for many, the damage was done. The lesson, perhaps, is that in the world of sports commentary, a little more thought before speaking can go a long way.
