Stephen A Smith reveals getting HEATED phone calls from Michael Jordan

The aftermath of The Last Dance documentary featured the controversial beef between Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. More so, Pippen than Jordan. During these times, ESPN First Take host Stephen A Smith has passionately defended Jordan from Pippen’s accusations and attacks. Now, Stephen A Smith revealed the friendship he had with Jordan.

Smith talked about Michael Jordan’s response to Scottie Pippen’s critique of The Last Dance on the PBD podcast. During the episode, Smith disclosed receiving some angry calls and honest opinions from the Bulls legend. Smith said:

I've gotten calls over the years from Michael Jordan. I know your a** didn't say what the hell. I just heard you say, blah blah blah. But MJ is challenging me and I'm challenging him back. If he's right. I have to conceive, he's right.

Stephen A Smith via PBD podcast

Smith is known for his work on ESPN First Take. However, long before, he worked extensively covering the NBA in print media. In the podcast, Smith spoke about regularly keeping in touch with MJ. As such, he kept receiving calls from MJ whenever Smith would have a polarising take on national television. Hence, Smith has inside information about various incidents involving MJ.

Further, Smith detailed Jordan’s beef with Pippen, Charles Barkley, and Isiah Thomas. Barkley and Jordan had a fallout over Barkley’s comments about MJ handling the Charlotte Hornets franchise. Thomas and MJ clashed over the controversial Dream Team exclusion. Jordan and Pippen had no problem in the beginning. However, Pippen’s continuous attack on Jordan has come to a point of no return after the recent “No Bull” tour.

Stephen A. Smith mocks Scottie Pippen’s “No Bull” tour

Pippen has essentially seized every chance to criticize Michael Jordan and The Last Dance documentary. Recently, Scottie Pippen took his complaints against Michael Jordan before a global audience. The “No Bull” live tour began on Friday, February 23, in Tasmania this year. Stephen A Smith has openly criticized Pippen for his actions during his “No Bull” tour. ESPN First Take host said:

Scottie Pippen is going to embarrass himself. Everybody knows, he's not Michael Jordan, he never was. And the fact of the matter is no matter what he is offended by, the facts were the facts.

Stephen A Smith via ESPN First Take

The recent beef between Pippen and Jordan might never result in a reconciliation. The “No Bull” tour remains a prime example of it. Stephen A Smith remains one of the only few sports television personalities to question Pippen time and again. Hence, one could see that every time Pippen launched a new attack, Smith would continue to push back if he felt it was ridiculous.

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