Stephen A. Smith’s Critique of Drake Maye

Stephen A. Smith expressed his feelings candidly when accusing quarterback Drake Maye of letting personal emotions influence his comments, particularly regarding criticisms he received. He also claimed that Maye misrepresented what Cam Newton said.

On “First Take,” the panelists directed their remarks at Maye. In a discussion on WEEI in Boston, Maye responded to Newton’s critique of the Patriots, who referred to their 9-2 start as “fool’s gold.” He suggested that success was misleading, a perspective he shared on his well-known ESPN show.

In a radio interview, Maye said, “I don’t even know what show he’s on. I guess they get paid to make certain comments, and I’m just focused on our team.” He emphasized his priority was the game, not the outside opinions.

This comment triggered Smith on Thursday, who was perplexed by Maye’s apparent lack of awareness about “First Take,” considering its popularity. He questioned how any athlete could be unfamiliar with such a well-known program.

Smith passionately declared, “[Drake Maye] is a liar… First Take is the number one morning show. Don’t tell me you don’t know that just because you’re an athlete.” He insisted that athletes should be aware of media discussions relevant to their field.

“He’s also a liar,” Smith added, pointing out that “Pardon the Interruption” has retained its top spot for years. He stressed that Maye, as an athlete, should be aware of the discussions surrounding Newton if he was truly engaged with the sports media landscape.

Smith also raised an interesting point, asking, “What about athletes looking out for athletes?” His message seemed to underline the need for mutual respect and understanding among players.

Smith went on, explaining how media outlets provide exceptional opportunities for former athletes. However, he cautioned that emotional responses from players, particularly in light of criticism, can lead to out-of-context interpretations of their words. “Ask the question accurately,” he advised, referencing Newton’s comments, which he felt were misunderstood.

During a recent appearance on WEEI, Maye addressed Newton’s claim about the Patriots’ success being illusory, supporting the sentiment while trying to validate his focus on the game itself. He pointed out that it’s normal for opinions to vary.

Entering Week 12, Maye is performing notably, leading the league with 2,836 passing yards and 20 touchdowns, showcasing his capabilities despite the media distractions.