Richard Jefferson Trolls Stephen A. Smith for Hyping UFC Freedom 250 Over NBA Finals as 2 Million Fans Flood Knicks Parade
Richard Jefferson was left surprised when Stephen A. Smith hyped UFC Freedom 250 during the Knicks championship parade.
Richard Jefferson on Stephen A. Smith (Image credits - Firstsportz)
Stephen A. Smith has built a name for himself in the world of sports journalism. While he is primarily known for covering the NBA and NFL, he does cover other sports from time to time.
Last weekend, the UFC 250 Freedom event was held at the White House. The event was a huge success as it was reported that the viewership reached 17 million total viewers across the U.S. and Latin America.
Speaking about the event, Smith said:
It was a great great event that was put forth by the UFC at the White House. Did a hell of a job. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Stephen A. Smith on First Take
In response to Smith’s comments, former NBA star Jay Williams placed the event ahead of the recent NBA Finals.
I was there. 4000 seat arena. I got to be honest, coming off the NBA Finals where I was at multiple NBA Finals. Better than NBA Finals. It was a better event than the NBA Finals.
Jay Williams on First Take
Following Smith and Williams’ statements, Richard Jefferson posted a hilarious GIF of himself with a confused expression.
pic.twitter.com/dld2uGHg6x pic.twitter.com/FxaqctrBFU
— Richard Jefferson (@Rjeff24) June 18, 2026
Richard Jefferson joined ESPN in 2019 as an analyst and has even served as a commentator over the years. Meanwhile, Stephen A. Smith is the face of the network.
Smith is a lifelong and passionate fan of the New York Knicks. His comments about the UFC Freedom 250 event came on the same day when New York was getting ready for the championship parade.
It was the franchise’s first-ever ticker-tape parade as they won their first championship in 53 years. It was seen that some fans were already at their spots 24 hours before the parade. Millions gathered on the streets of New York in what may have been the largest parade in the city’s history.
Stephen A. Smith torches Donald Trump for not denouncing Michelle Obama slur
Stephen A. Smith and Donald Trump have had a few exchanges over the last few days. The President mocked Smith for blaming him after the Knicks lost in Game 3 of the NBA Finals. The journalist fired back at Trump and challenged him to a debate.
UFC fighter Josh Hokit faced criticism for calling Michelle Obama a “man”. Smith took shots at Trump, who was present at the event and remained silent.
That was an incredibly disparaging remark about one of the greatest first ladies, if not the greatest lady we have seen. It was a disgusting thing to say; it was inexcusable. When he said it, Trump smiled. This should have immediately been denounced by the president. But he doesn’t do that enough. I’m not accusing him of doing what Josh Hokit did. I’m saying, you denounce that immediately.
Stephen A. Smith on Straight Shooter
It is unfortunate that Trump did not denounce the disgusting statements made by Hokit. However, Smith did not hold back in calling out the President, who should have done better.
LeBron James waived Richard Jefferson off the team to get Dwyane Wade
Richard Jefferson played two seasons alongside LeBron James with the Cleveland Cavaliers. They made it to the NBA Finals in both seasons and won the championship in 2016. However, Jefferson was traded away in 2017.

In an interview with another 2016 Cavs teammate JR Smith, Jefferson revealed that he was waived by James so that the Cavs could acquire Dwyane Wade.
Look, it was between one of his favorite teammates and one of his best friends. It was like when D-Wade got bought out and he came, I’m looking around. I’m like, there’s a roster problem here. And they’re like, ‘Yeah, Richard, we know.‘
Richard Jefferson in his show
Richard Jefferson says LeBron James got him waived off the team to get Dwyane Wade:
— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) June 18, 2026
“Look, it was between one of his favorite teammates and one of his best friends. It was like when D-Wade got bought out and he came, I’m looking around. I’m like, there’s a roster problem here.… https://t.co/k7Uf4XNStR pic.twitter.com/2WGACU7rMm
James and Wade have been close friends for a long time. The two played together for the Miami Heat and won two championships. Hence, it is not surprising that James tried everything he could to bring his best friend to the Cavs.
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Rishan Rai
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