Stephen A. Smith admits he was wrong about Knicks during live podcast after NBA title

Stephen A. Smith, a longtime critic of the New York Knicks, apologized during a live podcast at Madison Square Garden on Friday. The event, hosted by Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart, was streamed from inside the arena a day after the Knicks celebrated their first NBA title in more than five decades.

Smith, a New York City native and ESPN personality, faced boos from the crowd shortly after he was introduced. Hart then referenced Smith’s previous comments criticizing the Knicks and their players, including Brunson and Mikal Bridges, both of whom became NBA draft picks and contributed to the team’s championship run.

Hart displayed a championship trophy beside him and challenged Smith to acknowledge his past remarks. Smith responded by offering a public apology to Brunson, Hart, and the Knicks organization. He said, “I was beyond wrong. I’m apologizing to this brother on national television; I’m apologizing to you; I’m apologizing to the entire Knicks organization.”

Smith, 58, added that he has been a Knicks fan since birth and that the last time the team won a title before Saturday was when he was 4 years old. Despite the apology, he hinted he might be willing to criticize the team again if it leads to more championships, saying, “If it means another championship, I would do it again.”

The podcast episode also featured appearances by Karl-Anthony Towns, Miles McBride, and former Knicks star Carmelo Anthony.

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