Paul Finebaum expressed that it was “very unfair” for his colleague Stephen A. Smith to introduce a racial element into the discussion about Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin’s future. Smith suggested on Wednesday’s “First Take” that black players may not be inclined to play in Oxford, Mississippi.
During the debate involving Finebaum, Chris “Mad Dog” Russo, and host Shea Cornett, Smith passionately stated, “Let’s cut to the chase. I’m going to say it. You might not want to, but I will. Most brothers don’t want to come to Oxford, Michigan, much like Gainesville, Louisiana, or Baton Rouge.” His statement was quite direct.
Despite Smith’s remarks, Finebaum pointed out Kiffin’s impressive track record at Ole Miss, noting that he has secured 74 percent of his games over the past six years. He remarked on the potential for Ole Miss to claim a national championship, mentioning that while Kiffin might not match Nick Saban’s legacy, he could be a formidable coach in his own right, especially elsewhere, like at Florida or LSU.
Finebaum later stated, “I’m not implying that we don’t have black players; we certainly do. However, when it comes to consistent success against top teams like Alabama or Georgia, I just don’t see that level of excellence happening at Ole Miss as a sustainable outcome.”
Currently, Kiffin is in his sixth season and has led Ole Miss to a 10-1 record, placing them sixth in the College Football Playoff standings.
On his own show later that day, Finebaum firmly disagreed with Smith’s comments, labeling them “wrong.”
Finebaum further clarified, “I think a lot of people misunderstood what Stephen A. was saying, but his comment about ‘brothers not wanting to go to Oxford’ was, without a doubt, racist.” He emphasized that he had been to Oxford numerous times and found it unfair to associate the town with outdated views, stating the region has evolved. He said it’s baffling to compare Oxford unfavorably to places like Gainesville or Baton Rouge.
The backdrop includes the recent firings of LSU’s Brian Kelly and Florida State’s Billy Napier, with Kiffin being a candidate for both roles.
Reports earlier this week hinted that LSU had taken Kiffin’s family, including his ex-wife Leila, on a tour of Baton Rouge. There are stories suggesting the couple has reconciled after their divorce in 2016, and they have three children together.
Smith had even asserted that Kiffin’s move to either LSU or Florida is all but guaranteed, declaring, “You can book him; he’s not stupid.”
