An iconic sports commentator's visit to the owner's suite takes an unexpected turn during a Cowboys game, sparking hilarious reactions from fellow broadcasters.
A controversial moment unfolds: Stephen A. Smith, known for his outspoken criticism of the Dallas Cowboys on ESPN's 'First Take,' found himself in an awkward situation during the team's recent loss to the Cardinals on Monday Night Football. As the Cowboys trailed 10-0 in the first quarter, tight end Jake Ferguson fumbled, and the ESPN cameras caught a priceless moment. Smith, seated beside Cowboys owner Jerry Jones in his luxury box, gave Jones a subtle side-eye, leaving viewers wondering about the tension between the two.
But here's where it gets interesting. Smith, ever the professional, placed his hand on Jones' shoulder and shook his hand before making a swift exit. This unexpected departure didn't go unnoticed by the broadcasting team. Troy Aikman, ESPN's lead NFL analyst, and Joe Buck, the play-by-play announcer, couldn't help but comment on the amusing sequence.
Buck humorously narrated Smith's departure, saying, 'And then they say a picture is worth one billion words. There it is. Alright. Stephen A. is like, Alright, good luck. I'm outta here. I'm gonna go post on social media.' Aikman, equally amused, simply added, 'Look at that.'
Smith's presence in Dallas was already notable as he hosted Monday's 'First Take,' which marked Shae Cornette's debut as the new host following Molly Qerim's sudden departure. The timing of Smith's visit to Jones' suite couldn't have been more intriguing, especially with Jones hinting at a significant trade during his appearance on Smith's radio show earlier that day.
The ManningCast on ESPN2 added to the hilarity, with Eli and Peyton Manning enjoying the moment and Charles Barkley trolling Smith for his pink suit. Eli Manning joked about Smith's exit, saying, 'He said, You know what, this is not looking good, I'm out of here. I'm going to try and beat the traffic.' Barkley chimed in, taking a playful jab at Smith's fashion choice, 'That pink suit, I'm not feeling that either. It's a little late in the season to be wearing pink.'
The Cowboys' loss to the Cardinals marked their second consecutive defeat, following a 44-24 rout by the Broncos on Oct. 26. The team's struggles continued, and the tension between Smith and Jones, if any, remained a topic of speculation.
And this is the part most people miss—the potential impact of the trade Jones hinted at. The Cowboys did indeed make a move, acquiring Bengals linebacker Logan Wilson on Tuesday morning. Aikman's comment during the game, unaware of the specific trade, adds a layer of controversy: 'He may want to cancel that trade. I don't think one player from what I've seen tonight is going to make a difference for this group.'
So, was Smith's early departure from Jones' suite a sign of his true feelings about the Cowboys' performance? Did he foresee the team's struggles and the potential futility of the trade? These questions linger as the Cowboys head into their bye week before facing the Raiders in Las Vegas on Nov. 17. What do you think? Was Smith's behavior justified, or did he overreact? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
