Donald Trump clapped back at ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith on Monday after the US President attended Game 3 of the NBA finals to show support for the New York Knicks at MSG. Before the game, Smith was among the popular commentators who weighed in on the impact of Trump’s appearance at the contest.
He said Trump would deserve the blame if the Knicks lost. After New York lost 115-111, ending a 13-game winning streak, Trump addressed Smith’s remarks. A reporter asked him about the analyst’s comment on his influence on the Knicks loss and his aspirations of becoming president, to which Trump replied, saying:
“I think he’s a nice guy. You need a certain aptitude to run for president. You need a high IQ. I’m not sure Stephen has that. I don’t think he does actually.”
During First Take’s segment on the morning of the game, Smith said Trump had “no business” showing up in New York City.
“This president has no business showing up in New York City,” the analyst said. “I am dead serious. It is selfish. It is narcissistic. It is ridiculous that he is coming to this game.”
Trump’s attendance saw the watch party at MSG canceled for security reasons. Fans who attended the game inside the arena also had to arrive two hours before. Here’s what the NYPD said in their statement:
“There will be no watch parties outside of Madison Square Garden for Game 3 only. This was done fully in coordination with the Secret Service because of the presidential visit. We expect watch parties at Madison Square Garden to resume for Game 4.”
New Yorkers didn’t accept the situation well, as they had hoped to take to the streets to show support for the Knicks after the NBA Finals had returned to the city for the first time since 1999.
Fans inside the arena showed their discontent by booing Donald Trump during the national anthem.
Donald Trump opens up on Adam Silver interaction and the NBA being “left wing”
Donald Trump engaged in a lengthy conversation with NBA commissioner Adam Silver, who joined the president in his booth. Trump opened up on their discussions and how that moment came about, saying:
“He came over to pay his respects … We talked about the NBA, the game … the game’s changed, I said ‘it’s gotten rougher’… When you look at the way they guard people now, I don’t remember them doing that 10 years ago. And he knows a lot about basketball, but it’s good for the game; it’s a tougher game.”
Trump also spoke about the NBA’s stance, suggesting the league leaned towards the left.
“Well it’s a litle left-wing, it tends to be a little left-wing, but it’s great entertainment, it’s great.”
Trump is unlikely to attend Game 4. Most banned activities for Game 3 should resume as normal. The Knicks will look to count on the added support after losing Game 2. Another loss could prove challenging with the Spurs having an advantage to take the series lead at home in Game 5.
Read more:
- “Just Resting His Eyes”: Jemele Hill Reacts to Donald Trump Allegedly Sleeping During Knicks Game 3 Loss
- Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith Have Stoic Faces as Adam Silver Raves About Donald Trump Supporting Knicks
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