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Stephen A. Smith may marvel at the skills of golfers and NASCAR drivers, but he praises them with caution.
Smith said the pros are “elite at what they do,” but draws a line when describing them.
On his SiriusXM show, while discussing some of the greatest athletes of all time, a caller suggested NASCAR legend Richard Petty, and Smith had no choice but to pout.
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Stephen A. Smith looks on from the field during warmups before the NFL game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Nov. 3, 2025. (Perry Knotts/Getty Images)
“Come on, man. That doesn’t count. You’re driving a car!” Smith began via Awful Announcing. “I’ll be honest, it’s a great sport. But come on, bro. Getting behind the wheel of a car is not the same.
“You can be behind the wheel of a car in the 60s and 70s for crying out loud.”
Smith also insinuated that “just because you have to walk the course for 18 holes for four days doesn’t make you an athlete.”
Host Stephen A. Smith speaks with Senator Ted Cruz at a SiriusXM Town Hall event at the SiriusXM Studio in Washington, DC on November 19, 2025. (Paul Morigi/Getty Images for SiriusXM)
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“They’re skilled players, they’re elite at what they do. But athletes? Athletes? Are you kidding me? Is running the newest sport you want to make an Olympic sport? Because I think that would make them athletic, right?” Smith continued.
“Because they can walk. If you’re out there doing things that grandmothers and grandfathers can do, I’m not going to look at you that way. You’re skilled, you’re phenomenally skilled as a golfer… but it’s not an athletic sport.”
Stephen A. Smith attends WrestleMania 42: Night 1 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on April 18, 2026. (Andrew Timms/WWE)
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However, Smith made an exception for 15-time major champion Tiger Woods — not necessarily because of his golf skills, but rather just his build and athleticism in general.
