Lane Kiffin is currently mulling over his future at Ole Miss, and this topic has sparked quite a discussion on sports talk shows. Recently, while on ESPN’s “First Take,” Kiffin met with Stephen A. Smith, Paul Finebaum, and Christopher “Mad Dog” Russo to debate whether he should remain with the Rebels for the long haul, especially as numerous college and NFL openings have emerged lately.
During the conversation, Smith suggested that some Black players might prefer to consider other schools. He stated, “I’ll take it home, okay? … most of the brothers aren’t trying to come to Oxford, Mississippi, compared to Gainesville or Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Let’s call it what it is.” This comment has raised eyebrows.
Finebaum, while he didn’t directly address Smith’s remarks during the show, made his views known on his own radio program shortly after. He called Smith’s comments “racist,” arguing that Smith’s suggestion that players don’t want to go to Oxford is simply untrue. Finebaum emphasized that he has visited Oxford many times and that it shouldn’t be unfairly characterized. He expressed confusion over any perception that Oxford was a utopia but stressed that the South has evolved over the years.
In addition to Kiffin’s situation, Smith touched on racial dynamics when discussing the Miami Dolphins’ recent decision to fire former general manager Chris Grier, who is Black. Smith noted, “This is BS. Was that the first fire? Really? Is that what we’re doing?” He pointed out that Grier’s dismissal felt significant, especially considering the team’s ongoing issues with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and head coach Mike McDaniel. Smith reiterated his support for fellow professionals in the coaching and management sphere, while voicing concern over Grier being the first to be let go.
Kiffin’s journey has seen him at Ole Miss since 2020 following roles at Florida Atlantic, USC, and Tennessee, and he was also offensive coordinator at Alabama. Lately, there’s been speculation about Kiffin and former Ole Miss quarterback Jackson Dart possibly joining the New York Giants, although Kiffin reportedly remarked that New York was “too cold.”
Paul Finebaum responds to Stephen A. Smith’s comments on race related to Ole Miss
Lane Kiffin is currently mulling over his future at Ole Miss, and this topic has sparked quite a discussion on sports talk shows. Recently, while on ESPN’s “First Take,” Kiffin met with Stephen A. Smith, Paul Finebaum, and Christopher “Mad Dog” Russo to debate whether he should remain with the Rebels for the long haul, especially as numerous college and NFL openings have emerged lately.
During the conversation, Smith suggested that some Black players might prefer to consider other schools. He stated, “I’ll take it home, okay? … most of the brothers aren’t trying to come to Oxford, Mississippi, compared to Gainesville or Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Let’s call it what it is.” This comment has raised eyebrows.
Finebaum, while he didn’t directly address Smith’s remarks during the show, made his views known on his own radio program shortly after. He called Smith’s comments “racist,” arguing that Smith’s suggestion that players don’t want to go to Oxford is simply untrue. Finebaum emphasized that he has visited Oxford many times and that it shouldn’t be unfairly characterized. He expressed confusion over any perception that Oxford was a utopia but stressed that the South has evolved over the years.
In addition to Kiffin’s situation, Smith touched on racial dynamics when discussing the Miami Dolphins’ recent decision to fire former general manager Chris Grier, who is Black. Smith noted, “This is BS. Was that the first fire? Really? Is that what we’re doing?” He pointed out that Grier’s dismissal felt significant, especially considering the team’s ongoing issues with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and head coach Mike McDaniel. Smith reiterated his support for fellow professionals in the coaching and management sphere, while voicing concern over Grier being the first to be let go.
Kiffin’s journey has seen him at Ole Miss since 2020 following roles at Florida Atlantic, USC, and Tennessee, and he was also offensive coordinator at Alabama. Lately, there’s been speculation about Kiffin and former Ole Miss quarterback Jackson Dart possibly joining the New York Giants, although Kiffin reportedly remarked that New York was “too cold.”
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