‘You Called out LeBron’: Stephen Jackson Reacts to Stephen A. Smith Getting Checked by Serena Williams’ Husband
The sports world was buzzing this week after a heated exchange between ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith and Alexis Ohanian, the husband of tennis legend Serena Williams. The drama unfolded when Stephen A. Smith, known for his outspoken opinions, made comments about LeBron James’ leadership and influence in the NBA, sparking debate among analysts and fans.
But what really set social media on fire was Alexis Ohanian’s unexpected response. Ohanian, a successful entrepreneur and frequent advocate for athletes’ rights, called out Stephen A. Smith on Twitter, challenging his take and defending the importance of athletes using their platforms for positive change. “Criticizing LeBron for speaking up is missing the point,” Ohanian tweeted, urging sports commentators to recognize the power and responsibility that comes with fame.
As the exchange gained traction online, former NBA star Stephen Jackson entered the conversation with his own take. Known for his candid and sometimes controversial opinions, Jackson posted a video reacting to the situation. “You called out LeBron, and now you got Serena’s husband checking you,” Jackson said, shaking his head and laughing. “That’s what happens when you don’t respect greatness—people will stand up for what’s right.”
Jackson went on to praise LeBron James for his leadership on and off the court, emphasizing that athletes like LeBron and Serena Williams have paved the way for future generations. “LeBron’s been doing this for years—not just winning games, but speaking out for his people,” Jackson said. “And when you come at him, don’t be surprised if you get checked by folks who know what’s up.”
Fans quickly picked up on Jackson’s comments, sharing his video across social media platforms and adding their own thoughts to the debate. Some agreed with Stephen A. Smith’s original take, while others sided with Ohanian and Jackson, highlighting the importance of athletes using their voices for social issues.
Meanwhile, Stephen A. Smith addressed the controversy on his show, clarifying his position and acknowledging the passionate responses from both Ohanian and Jackson. “I respect LeBron and everything he stands for,” Smith said. “But as analysts, it’s our job to ask tough questions and hold everyone accountable—even the best.”
The incident has sparked a larger conversation about the role of athletes in society and the responsibilities of sports commentators. As the story continues to unfold, fans are eagerly watching to see how LeBron James, Serena Williams, and other prominent figures respond to the ongoing debate.
For now, Stephen Jackson’s reaction perfectly captures the energy of the moment: in today’s sports world, calling out greatness comes with consequences, and those who speak up for what’s right will always have support from unexpected places.
