Stephen A. Smith’s Warning to Jaylen Brown About Revealing Secrets Irks Fans – “Textbook Definition Narcissist?”
Stephen A. Smith started First Take with a response to Boston Celtics superstar Jaylen Brown after the latter's latest rant.
Stephen A. Smith flames Jaylen Brown (Image via FirstSportz)
There was no doubt that once Jaylen Brown reopened a can of worms with his foul-mouthed rant at Stephen A. Smith, the latter would open First Take with a response.
For a while, it seemed that the ESPN analyst and the Boston Celtics superstar had calmed down after the two went back and forth exchanging barbs at each other after Brown first appeared on his live stream.
Smith, at the time, had reminded the five-time All-Star that he had been in his corner, particularly when the latter was facing trouble with USA Basketball.
However, that did not stop the 29-year-old from barking back at the analyst on his return to streaming. Brown specifically labeled Smith and his colleagues ‘clowns,’ suggesting they generate clickbait content to boost their careers.
Jaylen Brown, be careful what you wish for. You really want me to start reporting on that level? You understand? Locker room, how the organization might think about you, how the city may feel about you, how Jayson Tatum may or may not feel about you, sneaker deals, endorsement deals, the list goes on and on.
Stephen A. Smith said on First Take
"The season is over bro. You’re on Twitch trying to do what I do.” 🗣️@stephenasmith responds to Jaylen Brown 🔥 pic.twitter.com/PXBNr6Vxu2
— First Take (@FirstTake) May 18, 2026
This was the 58-year-old reminding Jaylen Brown that he, too, has a lot of worm cans he can open. Smith reminded the 2024 Finals MVP that he is doing exactly what the latter accused him of doing on his platform.
Fans flame Stephen A. Smith for threatening Jaylen Brown
Sports fans were aware that Stephen A. Smith would respond to Jaylen Brown in some manner. But what they were not prepared for was the former essentially threatening the Celtics star.
They felt this was the New York native proving his belief that he is above the superstars that make the sport he talks about. Fans flamed Smith for his latest rant on social media, examples of which are listed below.
He is a classic textbook definition narcissist. He’s a world class tap dancing, goal post shifting gaslighter. His days being relevant are numbered.
— 5WORD5HARP (@CutDeep858) May 19, 2026
Clearly this is a man that has been blackballed by the NBA players. He thinks he's more powerful than them and thinks his reporting will destroy them when in turn he will fall. Universal law will serve Justice. He's on the clock and he doesn't even know it tick tock
— fresh76 (@fresh767676) May 18, 2026
I try not to engage with SAS content, because it only feeds his numbers and keeps him on TV. But he’s reaching new lows right now.
— JoltyJon13 (@JoltyJon13) May 19, 2026
“How Jayson Tatum may or may not feel about you?” A journalist threatening with straight gossip? The lack of ethics is irresponsible
It all makes sense now. Sas is competing on a salary level with all stars and thinks he's legit an all star. That's why he does what he does how he does it, my god…
— Doc Williams (@docwill90) May 19, 2026
He such a 🤡 and I knew he was going start like that. You are a disgrace now bro. You are a part of trying to break them up with that narrative JT not going on his show,etc. You wack for that Stephen
— Mr_Matthews! (@sblockcapo) May 18, 2026
It’s ironic because this is exactly what Jaylen Brown was talking about. Reporting on hear say and using it for engagement/click bait. No facts or anything, pure speculation. And it all has nothing to do with basketball.
— Nurarihyon 🦦 (@kingofallyokai) May 18, 2026
Stephen A really thinks he’s the mob boss of the NBA 🤣.
— 👑 (@ScorpiFro) May 18, 2026
The end of this “take” is crazy . Trying to make veiled threats and insinuating drama behind the scenes.
— CelticPride07 (@Denny1177042) May 18, 2026
Brown might return with another shot at Smith. If he does, there is a good chance this discourse could engulf every media outlet for the foreseeable future. But it seems the father of two is not done.
Stephen A. Smith questions Jaylen Brown’s marketability
After Stephen A. Smith was done with First Take, it was natural that he would take to his namesake podcast if he felt he still had more to say about Jaylen Brown.

While establishing yourself as one of the best 2-way players in the NBA… All these endorsement going to your teammate Jayson Tatum, why… None of those endorsements is coming to your direction to the degree that you deserve. You talking about me. I got a deal with CarShield. Why don’t you have any deals? I’m not even trying to insult you.
Stephen A. Smith said
Stephen A. Smith went on his podcast and told Jaylen Brown to “look in the mirror” when asking why the NBA doesn’t market him more or why he isn’t landing major brand deals like Jayson Tatum.
— Ahmed/The Ears/IG: BigBizTheGod 🇸🇴 (@big_business_) May 18, 2026
"Despite your greatness, going to 6 Eastern Conference Finals, going 2 NBA Finals,… pic.twitter.com/i5YCPAlvbi
The ESPN executive producer was essentially taking shots at the Celtics’ star’s lack of endorsement deals. He believes Brown’s attitude is to blame for the mess he is in. Therefore, he should check what he rants about on his streams.
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