Stephen A Smith was seen playing a game on his phone during live action in Game 4 of the 2025 NBA Finals on Friday night. There was immediate backlash on social media, and the ESPN analyst took to Twitter/X after the game to respond to the allegations.
Stephen A Smith Playing Games On Phone During NBA Finals
At some point during the second half of Friday’s game, Smith apparently needed something more than basketball to keep his attention. While he sat atop the ESPN studio perch at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the 57-year-old took was videotaped from behind as he was unsuspecting. The camera caught Smith engaging in a game of Solitare on his device, and the clip was immediately posted to social media.
How can you have all of these opinions while you’re playing solitaire instead of watching the game @stephenasmith? pic.twitter.com/fqjnQLOHXU
— Kimberly (@BleedBlue1986) June 14, 2025
The posts of the video spread like wildfire. Fans from both teams as well as fans in general were highly critical of Smith’s tactics, especially given his boisterous and hard-nosed takes when it comes to certain NBA players participating in the series.
Social media s pointed out the comments that Smith made about Tyrese Haliburton, when the pundit said that the Pacers guard wasn’t a superstar. “How can you have all of these opinions while you’re playing Solitare instead of watching the game?” one poster wrote. Another pointed out the ESPN layoffs and subsequent loaded contract that Smith received from the network to be their featured star.
Yep! That’s me. Who would’ve thought….I can multi-task. Especially during TIMEOUTS! Hope y’all are enjoying the NBA Finals.
This is going 7 games now, peeps! https://t.co/nLdWJf5vqf
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) June 14, 2025
The incident happened on the same night that two fans were seen courtside wearing Dumb & Dumber costumes that featured the faces of Smith and fellow ESPN pundit Kendrick Perkins.
Tears why u lying pic.twitter.com/oyVX0LlH8q
— ᴅ ʀ ᴇ ᴡ (@FeelLikeDrew) June 14, 2025
After the game, Smith responded to the allegations. Instead of owning up to his mistake, he doubled down, pointing out that he “can multi-task” and that the video in question was filmed during a timeout. Extended versions of the clip show that that statement was untrue, and that live action was happening at the time in question.
The NBA Finals will continue on Monday evening, and Smith will again be in the building and featured on the pregame and halftime shows.
