‘Stay the hell away’: Trump backlash continues after NBA stunt
US President Donald Trump has copped an enormous spray from sports host Stephen A. Smith following his appearance at the NBA Finals.
Trump was booed by fans before falling asleep during the New York Knicks 115-11 loss to the San Antonio Spurs in game three of the series.
Donald Trump claps from his private suite during the NBA Finals. Getty
Outdoor watch parties planned near Madison Square Garden were cancelled due to security requirements linked to Trump’s attendance and inside the arena, security entailed airport-style screening at entry and a strict no-bag policy.
The NYPD said the decision was made jointly with the Secret Service because of the security demands created by a presidential visit during one of the most anticipated sporting events in New York in decades.
Trump is a long-time Knicks fan who confirmed he would attend game three - the first NBA Finals home game in New York in 27 years - but at one stage was spotted with his eyes shut in his private suite at the world’s most famous arena.
The appearance created plenty of controversy among basketball fans and New Yorkers alike, who had their plans derailed by the president.
The outrage was led by Smith - one of the loudest voices in American sport - who took to ESPN’s First Take program to deliver a verbal hammering of Trump.
“I put my IQ up against yours any day of the week,” Smith started.
“I could go one better and ask why you’ve been running from me for the past year since I wanted to talk to you? I could ask you to debate me, since you think you’re that dude - we could go a myriad of ways, but I’m not gonna let you off the hook.
“I appreciate the fact that you called me a nice guy, because I actually am a very nice guy until you tug at me. After that, I’ve got to show my other side.
“My other side came out last night when I recognised that businesses were compromised, because you showed up. The crowd that surrounded Madison Square Garden and its surrounding areas, you compromised. I thought you were about the economy? I thought you were about helping New Yorkers?
An impersonator of US President Donald Trump outside Madison Square Garden. Getty Images
“Have the New York Knicks benefited? The answer would happen to be no. This is a sports show, so I won’t go any further than that.”
Smith did go further in his on-air rant that lasted more than three minutes however, urging Trump to “stay the hell away” from the rest of the series.
“Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, Karl Anthony-Towns all played better when you weren’t there,” the long-time television host said.
“The crowd was festive, hyped and more intimidating when you weren’t there. Businesses were thriving before you showed up. There was noise reverberating off the walls of Madison Square Garden, before you showed up.
Knicks fans are some of the rowdiest in American sport. AP Photo/Ryan Murphy
“This is what you’ve done. I thought you were a New Yorker? I thought you cared? I thought it mattered to you? Evidently, it didn’t and do you know how we know? Because you’re actually talking about coming back for game four.
“It’s clear you need your rest and the New York Knicks need it too … give New Yorkers a break and stay at the White House. Do whatever it is you gotta do, but just stay the hell away from the New York Knicks for the rest of this series.”
New York entered the match with a 2-0 series lead as they chase their first championship since 1973, but the Spurs narrowed the margin on the road.
Victor Wembanyama led the way for San Antonio as he scored 32 points and had eight rebounds and six assists.
The ban on watch parties around the venue applies only to game three, with officials expecting the New York City watch parties to resume for game four given Trump is unlikely to attend due to other commitments.
The president’s approval ratings in the US are currently dire, with heavily Democratic New York especially unhappy with him.
Donald Trump looks on during game three. Getty Images
Trump’s NBA appearance also drew the ire of New York politicians.
“It also is not clear to me that Donald Trump is a big Knicks fan,” House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said.
“He’s just injecting himself into the NBA finals because he always has to bring the MAGA circus into town.”
