Stephen A. Smith has once again found himself at the center of controversy following comments made during ESPN’s First Take broadcast.
The renowned sports commentator sparked outrage on March 25, 2025, when he suggested UConn should “feel good” about their NCAA tournament chances after USC star Juju Watkins suffered a season-ending ACL injury. His remarks came during a segment with WNBA player Napheesa Collier and moderator Molly Qerim discussing UConn’s March Madness outlook.
The backlash on social media was swift and severe, with many fans calling for ESPN to take action against Smith. This incident adds to Smith’s history of controversial statements throughout his career at the network, where he has been a prominent voice on NBA, NFL, and college sports coverage. The timing is particularly sensitive as Watkins’ injury eliminated what many considered would be one of the most anticipated matchups of the tournament against UConn’s Paige Bueckers.
JuJu Watkins Has A Long Road To Recovery
USC women’s basketball standout JuJu Watkins sustained a torn ACL in her right knee during the Trojans’ NCAA Tournament second-round victory over Mississippi State. The injury occurred in the first quarter of the game, which USC ultimately won 96-59 against the ninth-seeded Bulldogs.
The severity of Watkins’ injury became immediately apparent when she fell to the court in visible pain. Medical evaluations confirmed the ACL tear, a significant setback for both Watkins and the USC program.
Recovery from this type of injury typically requires approximately nine months of rehabilitation, meaning Watkins will miss a substantial portion of the 2025 season. This timeline presents considerable challenges for both her personal development and the team’s competitive prospects moving forward.
A graduate from the University of Texas, Anthony Amador has been credentialed to cover the Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks and high school games all over the Lone Star State. Currently, his primary beats are the NBA, MLB, NFL and UFC.
