Fox Sports analyst Nick Wright started Monday’s episode of First Things First by trolling Stephen A. Smith and the recent solitaire controversy.
During Game 4 of the NBA Finals between the Indiana Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder, Smith was photographed in Indiana’s Gainbridge Fieldhouse playing solitaire on his phone.
Stephen A. Smith: “Tyrese Haliburton isn’t a superstar” and “Giannis is an underachiever”
SAS during the NBA Finals: *plays solitaire* pic.twitter.com/LynImxotGq
— Underdog (@Underdog) June 14, 2025
The photo quickly went viral online, with many arguing it was proof that Smith’s more questionable takes were simply due to the fact that he didn’t pay attention to the games. In response, Smith said he’s able to “multi-task” and that the photo was taken during a timeout.
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
Then, a video was released disproving that claim. In the video, play was going on as Smith was intently focused on the card game.
On First Things First, host Kevin Wildes opened the show as Wright appeared to be preoccupied on his phone. In the middle of his introduction, Wildes said, “I don’t approve of this.”
“Gosh darn-it!” Wright uttered while still looking at his phone. “Solitaire, no good.”
Analyst Chris Broussard responded with, “Oh, wow,” after realizing Wright took a direct shot at Smith.
“I didn’t know we were — my bad,” Wright continued. “What, a guy can’t multi-task?”
Watch above via Fox Sports 1