Finebaum Criticizes Smith Over Kiffin’s Future Comments

ESPN’s Paul Finebaum called out sports commentator Stephen A. Smith for what he labeled a “grossly unfair” move to make the discussion about Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin’s future a racial issue.

During an episode of First Take, Smith brought race into the conversation while the committee was weighing whether Kiffin should stay at Ole Miss or pursue coaching positions at Florida or LSU.

Currently, Kiffin’s Rebels boast a record of 10-1 and are ranked No. 6 in the College Football Playoff standings. But Smith seemed to orchestrate a debate that some described as strained. Smith stated that not many players would choose to go to Oxford compared to places like Gainesville or Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

“Let’s stop talking about this. Now, listen, ladies and gentlemen, I’m going to say it. You can’t say it. Don’t you dare say it, Paul. Don’t you dare say it, Dougie. Don’t say it, Shay. Leave it to me. I’ll say it. Brothers aren’t going to come to Oxford, Michigan, for the most part, compared to Gainesville or Baton Rouge,” he asserted.

Finebaum responded, emphasizing the impressive job Kiffin has done at Ole Miss, highlighting that he has won 74 percent of his games over the last six years. He insisted that Ole Miss is deserving of attention and could potentially win a national championship. “Kiffin may have the potential to be another Nick Saban, but that’s not happening at Ole Miss,” Finebaum remarked.

Smith further claimed that “from a recruiting standpoint,” Ole Miss wouldn’t attract top-tier Black players. In contrast, Finebaum disagreed vehemently, stating on his show that Smith’s racial views felt “wrong” and suggesting that Smith may hold “obviously racist views.”

“He specifically said, ‘My brothers don’t want to go to Oxford, Michigan,’ which has been proven completely false,” Finebaum noted. He added that he had visited Oxford numerous times and found it unfair to invoke the racial history of the ’60s to characterize the town today. “The South has changed,” he said.

With both LSU and Florida having coaching vacancies after the departure of Brian Kelly and Billy Napier, speculations are swirling around whether Kiffin might be interested in those roles. Reports also suggest that Kiffin’s family recently visited Baton Rouge.

It’s worth noting that Smith has a history of discussing race in sports commentary. For instance, earlier this year, he argued that white analysts should refrain from commenting on the performances of Black players during games.