Micah Parsons sends Cowboys hater Stephen A. Smith to hospital after basketball mishap
Even in practice- even in a different sport– Micah Parsons doesn’t hold back.
And now ESPN’s No. 1 Cowboys hater knows that, though there may be multiple sides to the story.
First Take host Stephen A. Smith apparently found out the hard way during a basketball practice session in Indianapolis late Thursday. Smith is slated to serve as one of the coaches in Friday’s NBA All-Star Celebrity Game, opposite Shannon Sharpe.
During the practice, the two went one-on-one at some point, and Parsons reportedly executed a crossover move that Smith- and his 56-year-old ankles- weren’t ready for.
Injury update: After a trip to the hospital, @stephenasmith is in an ankle brace for an injury he suffered practicing against Micah Parsons for the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game. Smith will, however, coach tonight’s game. “Definitely,” he texted. pic.twitter.com/Z9WGXzCxKg
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 16, 2024
“And all I know,” Molly Qerim said on the air Friday morning, “is Stephen A. is at the hospital right now, getting X-rays.”
NFL insider Adam Schefter has since reported that Smith is in an ankle brace but still plans to coach at Friday night’s game.
Later during the show, Smith made an appearance to give his side of the story.
An offer for Cowboys fans
For the best local Austin news, sports, entertainment and culture coverage, subscribe to the Austin American-Statesman.
“The next thing you know, that damn Micah Parsons is on the basketball court acting like he’s trying to sack quarterbacks or something and pushing people around,” Smith complained.
And though he confirmed that Parsons was going all-out in practice, he blamed court conditions for his injury.
“He and I were shooting around, shooting against one another, and there was some sweat on the floor. And I was literally about to pull up and just shoot it. I literally bust my ass. I mean, feet flying in the air, bam! It was like I was sliding into third base. ”
Smith maintains he felt fine leaving the arena and wasn’t bothered by his ankle until later that night.
"There was some sweat on the floor … I literally bust my ass!" 😅@stephenasmith set the record straight as to why he slipped on the basketball court 😭 pic.twitter.com/jbGVNICa48
— First Take (@FirstTake) February 16, 2024
Parsons isn’t the only NFL notable hooping it up at the celebrity event. Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud, Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman, and Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua are also scheduled to participate.
The game will air on ESPN at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, when Parsons will no doubt be asked for his recollections on what exactly happened.
