Stephen A. Smith, known for his fiery takes on ESPN’s First Take, recently made headlines. And for good reasons as well. In his usual blunt style, Smith claimed, “I have no choice” but to consider running for president in 2028. This may seem random coming from a sports analyst, but Smith has been getting constant encouragement from elected officials, pundits, and even billionaires urging him to explore the idea. Smith’s statement went beyond a passing remark, prompting a larger question: could a sports commentator really lead the nation?

Pressure from others, rather than any political ambition, drives his reasoning for making that bold statement. He mentioned that even his pastor had encouraged him to leave the door open. In his words, “Here’s the reality: People, literally people, have walked up to me, including my own pastor, for crying out loud, who has said to me.” With so many voices pushing him to consider it, Smith is now grappling with the possibility. The idea that people would even take him seriously shows the disillusionment with the current political system. Could this really be opening the door for someone like Smith to run for the office?

The speculation didn’t stop there. Amused by the news and the random support Stephen A. Smith has gotten for this venture, Magic Johnson couldn’t stop himself from taking to social media to share his wonder. On X, he simply asked the question, “Is it true that my boy Stephen A. Smith is running for President? 😂”. 

Johnson’s playful post added fuel to the fire, sparking further conversation about Smith’s potential presidential bid. While Magic’s question was filled with humor, it also highlighted the absurdity and intrigue of a sports analyst entering the political arena.

His rationale isn’t rooted in personal ambition but in public petition. “People. Literally people have walked up to me, including my own pastor,” Smith said, pausing for emphasis, “who has said to me, ‘You’ve got to leave the door open’”. That his spiritual advisor sees him as a viable candidate underscores voters’ disillusionment with career politicians and a hunger for fresh voices, echoing a broader trend of celebrity candidacies in recent U.S. history.

Would Smith really make the leap? Only time will tell. But he already has the support of the former NFL kicker!

When sports turn political: Jay Feely says ‘yes’, but Melo and Barkley aren’t buying it

While Stephen A. Smith’s possible presidential run drew laughs and curiosity, not everyone is laughing for the same reason. Former NFL kicker Jay Feely stepped up and actually endorsed the idea. On The Hill, Feely said he’d “revel” in debating Smith on national issues, praising the ESPN host’s unmatched communication skills.

According to Feely, “It’s really about being able to have a vision, communicate that vision, and for American people to believe in you. “I think what the American people want the most, they want transparency, and they want people to be honest about what they believe.”. A self-described “MAGA-aligned Republican,” Feely even recalled discussing the run with Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago two years ago, suggesting Smith’s bipartisan appeal could break the mold.

Feely’s words show he’s serious, but not everyone shares that tone. Carmelo Anthony wasn’t sold on the idea. On 7PM in Brooklyn, Melo gently dismissed the idea, saying the presidency isn’t a “lane” Smith should enter. Melo proposed Maryland Governor Wes Moore—“intelligent, military background, understands people”—as a more fitting candidate.

In his words, “Like I commend him though for even thinking that for reaching for that goal, that’s a high goal, but nah, that’s not a lane that you want to play in. I don’t, you have to be ready for that lane.” Anthony praised Moore’s military background and leadership skills. For Melo, believing in change doesn’t mean backing just anyone with a platform, it means trusting the right kind of leader.

Former President Donald Trump seized on Smith’s comments during an April NewsNation town hall, praising his “great entertainment skills” and saying, “I’d love to see him run”. Trump’s endorsement, coming from a figure who himself leveraged celebrity clout, adds ironic weight to the prospect of a pundit‐turned‐candidate.

Then came the blunt force of Charles Barkley, who didn’t hold back at all. Barkley, speaking with Sports Illustrated, basically begged Smith to “knock it off.” He made it clear—this wasn’t playful banter anymore. He boldly stated, “C’mon, man. Stop it. C’mon. It had to start out as a joke, and he started taking it serious. C’mon, man. All I would say is ‘knock it off.’ And that’s the best way to phrase it.” In Barkley’s view, Smith went from joking to believing his own hype. Barkley even labeled it a “hard no” when asked if he’d ever support him. So, where Feely sees potential, Barkley sees a bad punchline gone too far. Who’s got the better read on reality?