Zion Williamson’s ‘food addiction’ under microscope as Stephen A Smith rips Pelicans star for suspension

Stephen A. Smith rips apart New Orleans Pelicans' star Zion Williamson for being late to team's flight to Philadelphia

Zion Williamson’s ‘food addiction’ under microscope as Stephen A Smith rips Pelicans star for suspension

Stephen A Smith scolds Zion Williamson for getting suspended due to lethargy

During Friday’s game between the New Orleans Pelicans and the Philadelphia 76ers, Zion Williamson was suspended for a single game due to his unpunctuality. He was late for the team’s flight to Philadelphia on Thursday, and the Pelicans’ executive vice president of basketball operations stated that the suspension was enforced as “a result of failing to meet our team standards.”

Since then, fans, let down by Williamson’s antics, have been sharing a hilarious meme that has gone viral. It depicts Zion Williamson in a bucket hat taking a selfie with a Wendey’s drive-thru worker just minutes before missing his flight. Although the photo is AI-generated, it is undeniably close to touching reality. Moreover, on the latest episode of First Take, Stephen A. Smith referred to the same meme, noting that we can’t rule anything out when it comes to Willamson and food.

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“I better not find out this has something to do with food. I’m not joking. I better not find that out, you understand. And I know they were joking about some fake accounts with him being in a drive-thru at Wendey’s……But damn it, we can’t put nothing past us when it comes to Zion Williamson”– Stephen A Smith slams Zion

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Stephen A Smith continued that the power-forward is robbing the organization out of money via his lack of “professionalism”. He further stated that this behavior are only early indications before Zion Williamson finally asks to be traded out of New Orleans.

Following the suspension versus the 76ers, “Zanos” publicly apologized to his teammates, coaches, and fans, stating, “I take full responsibility for this suspension.” Additionally, Williamson mentioned that he had been through a harsh rehab to stay healthy and deliver for his team. In Sunday’s return against the Boston Celtics, Zanos contributed 16 points on a 5-of-15 shooting while missing both of three-point attempts.

Shannon Sharpe slams Zion Williamson for hitting the “trifecta”

Shannon Sharpe, who is also part of ESPN’s First Take panel, berated Williamson for being tardy despite having very little playing time so far this season. While more professional in his wording on national television, Sharpe took to his popular podcast, Nightcap, to voice his honest opinion.

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Sharpe said that since signing a $150 million extension, Williamson doesn’t seem interested in playing basketball anymore. He criticized Zanos’ undisciplined and unhealthy eating habits, asking his co-host, Chad “Ocho” Johnson, “So he gone show up late, but he gone get mad if DoorDash shows up late?”

“Ocho, that is your job! And you’re late for practice? You’re late for the plane? And you’re overweight. He’s like, ‘Well, h—, I might as well go for the trifecta. I’m going to be overweight, late for practice, and I’m going to miss the plane,'” Shannon Sharpe remarked.

The news was first reported by NBA insider Shams Charania before fellow NBA insider Chris Haynes further revealed that the decision came after a succession of similar instances where the 24-year-old was late for practice. Shannon Sharpe also suggested that tensions have been brewing behind the scenes, and the Pelicans franchise is trying to send a strong message.

In the Pelicans’ 40 games so far, “The Truth” has only been available for eight this season. Plagued with injuries and overweight issues for most of his stay in New Orleans, it would be fair to say that his time has been pretty lackluster. Though he has shown bursts of artistry with windmill slams off steals and multiple 30-point games, being in his fifth year in the league, his absence has been notably disappointing.