ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith doesn’t often discuss NASCAR, but driver Joey Logano prefers it that way.
On a recent episode of his show, Mad Dog Sports Radio on Sirius XM, Smith engaged with a caller who shared his thoughts on where LeBron James ranks among all-time great athletes.
One caller suggested that NASCAR icon Richard Petty deserves a spot on that list. Smith reacted by ridiculing NASCAR drivers and golfers, arguing that they aren’t true athletes.
“Come on, you’re just driving a car!” Smith exclaimed. “It’s a great sport, no doubt. But it’s not the same as being behind the wheel.”
Smith continued, “Even in your 60s and 70s, anyone can drive a car. Golfers aren’t athletes. NASCAR drivers don’t qualify either. Just because you can walk an 18-hole course for four days doesn’t make you athletic.”
“They’re talented in what they do, no question. But athletes? Really? Is walking becoming the new Olympic sport? It doesn’t make sense. If you’re doing things that your grandparents could do, that doesn’t qualify you. Sure, you’re a skilled golfer…but that’s not athleticism.”
Interestingly, these sentiments echoed during Fox’s coverage of the recent race at Talladega Speedway.
Broadcaster Mike Joy referenced Smith’s comments without naming him directly.
“Earlier this week, a well-known commentator said that race car drivers aren’t athletes,” Joy noted. “I’d like to show him this footage and see what he thinks.”
NASCAR driver Joey Logano also weighed in, suggesting Smith was just trying to stir controversy for attention.
“Honestly, I don’t give much weight to what he says since he’s never been behind the wheel of a race car,” Logano stated. “We are athletes because the mental aspects matter. The physical demand of racing is tough, and many don’t grasp that. I don’t think we need to defend it; it’s just their way of staying relevant.”
“I’ve been around long enough to know it’s not worth stressing over his comments,” Logano added. “He’s been in the game for a while, after all.”
