Stephen A. Smith Uses Matt Barnes as “Witness” Against All the Smoke Co-Host Amid Snitching Accusations

Stephen A. Smith didn’t let this feud last too long. After Matt Barnes lashed out at him on All The Smoke regarding Russell Westbrook, Smith brought Matt Barnes on his show to finally bury this matter. Smith wasn’t at his highest vocal volume yet it was a predictably heated way to hash it out. He addressed all his critics with Matt Barnes on the show, including Stephen Jackson who was on All The Smoke. He deftly used Barnes to prove his point too.

“I admire you and respect you for coming on this show,” the host of The Stephen A. Smith show told Barnes before proceeding to say, “because you are my witness. Did I not reach out to both of y’all and invite both of y’all on this show and Stax [Stephen Jackson] was the one that didn’t answer, is that not correct?” 

Barnes confirmed that indeed Jackson didn’t respond to Smith’s invitation. Barnes also stated that he had a valid reason – Jackson is coaching at Allen Iverson’s camp in Virginia – and was sure they’d resolve their disagreements as they’ve done before.

Both Jackson and Barnes previously slammed Smith for calling the NBA offices to apparently demand Russell Westbrook’s suspension. Even without Jackson on the show, Smith didn’t hold back on addressing the issue. He went as far as to pull the dictionary definition of a ‘snitch.’

Smith reiterated that contrary to how it seems, he has a great and longstanding friendship with both Barnes and Jackson. He respects their opinion on this matter too. But he was incensed by both of them, “writing me off.” Once he made that clear, Smith was able to address the Westbrook drama.

Stephen A. Smith defends his honor

Smith didn’t waste any time posting on requoting the clip of Barnes and Jackson’s show when he announced he was going to speak up about the matter. After he and Barnes made it clear that there’s no bad blood between them and Jackson as well, Smith bluntly stated, “Ain’t no way I’m wrong about this.” That is, he stands by his stance on Russell Westbrook. Smith was ready to respond to the ‘opinions’ with ‘facts.’

Barnes admitted he felt like Smith should’ve been one of the sportscasters who should’ve understood players instead of taking it up directly with the league office. Then Smith exploded that Jackson crossed a line by calling him a snitch. He insisted he couldn’t be a snitch when everything was in public in a live broadcast game. At some point, Draymond Green was name-dropped too.

Both their opinions regarding Westbrook’s physical play aside, Smith reiterated it was about the timing. He had a show to do, they had no information about Westbrook after his ejection, so he called the league and conveyed their stance on Russ. Barnes and Smith have resolved their disagreement but Matt’s going to see Jackson on All the Smoke next. And he might have a response to Smith again.