MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - Recent comments made by ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith have caused a stir in the Memphis community.
During First Take on Monday, Smith discussed NBA relocation and noted that he thinks Nashville would be a good spot for a franchise. Of course, the Grizzlies became part of the discussion as well.
“I’m certainly got getting on and advocating that Memphis loses a team because I don’t want that to happen to that city,” Smith said. “But in the same breath, you wonder about Nashville, comparing that to Seattle...”
Smith’s comments about Memphis renewed resentment from Memphians who took offense to Smith’s comments last year, when he claimed that NBA stars don’t want to come to Memphis due to safety concerns.
That led to Memphis Mayor Paul Young inviting Stephen A to Memphis, with Smith accepting.
“Let’s make it happen. I’m looking forward to it,” Smith said.
Smith’s comments on Monday renewed the city’s beef with the talk show host, with Memphis Chamber CEO Ted Townsend notably stating, “F you,” and noting that Smith never came to Memphis like he said he would.
F you @stephenasmith You were invited by our mayor to visit and you never did. Tells us enough about your sorry ass takes. You have zero authority to judge and assess Memphis. Go Grizz!
— Ted Townsend (@TedTownsend901) March 17, 2026
The discussion was sparked from NBA meetings on adding two franchises to the league.
While Las Vegas and Seattle are the two leading candidates for new teams, those are likely to come as expansion teams, not through relocation.
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