Amid the ongoing controversy and drama surrounding Shedeur Sanders’ “mid” remarks about former safety Xavier Smith, renowned sports commentator Stephen A. Smith has stepped into the fray and offered a much-needed reality check to the young quarterback. On his May 2nd show, Smith didn’t hold back in his analysis and delivered a strong message to Sanders, who is currently making headlines for all the wrong reasons.
For those who may not be aware, Shedeur Sanders, the son of NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, recently made a comment on social media about former Jackson State safety Xavier Smith. His comment, which has since been deleted, read, “I know you don’t want to hear this, but Xavier Smith was mid,” implying that Smith was not a good player.
This comment caused an uproar among fans and players alike, with many calling out Sanders for disrespecting his former teammate. And while Sanders has since apologized and deleted the post, the damage has already been done.
But amidst all the backlash, Stephen A. Smith’s take on the issue stands out as a much-needed reality check for Shedeur Sanders. The renowned sports commentator didn’t shy away from calling out the young quarterback for his actions and offered a brutal but necessary reminder of the harsh reality of his performance on the field.
“You were 1-8 in the conference,” said Smith, pointing out Sanders’ lack of success on the field. “Xavier Smith may not have been the best player, but at least he was a part of a winning team.”
Smith’s words may have been harsh, but they hold a lot of truth. Shedeur Sanders, who is currently the starting quarterback for Jackson State, had a disappointing season with a 1-8 record in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). On the other hand, Xavier Smith was a key player in the Jackson State team that won the SWAC championship in 2019.
Smith’s statement is a reminder that while Shedeur Sanders may have the privilege of being the son of an NFL legend, he still has a lot to prove on the field. His actions and words not only reflect on himself but also on his team and his family.
As a young quarterback, Sanders should understand the importance of humility and respect towards his teammates and opponents. It takes a team effort to win games, and no one player should be singled out for the team’s failures. By making derogatory comments about a former teammate, Sanders showed a lack of maturity and sportsmanship, which is not expected from a leader on the field.
Smith’s comments also shed light on the issue of entitlement in sports. Shedeur Sanders may have grown up in a football family, but that doesn’t guarantee him success on the field. He has to earn it through hard work, dedication, and a humble attitude. As Smith rightly pointed out, Smith’s privilege may have given him opportunities, but it won’t guarantee him success.
As a renowned sports commentator, Stephen A. Smith’s words carry a lot of weight and influence. And in this case, his message to Shedeur Sanders is one that all young athletes should take heed of. It’s not just about being a talented player; it’s also about being a good teammate, a respectful opponent, and a humble leader.
Smith’s reality check serves as a lesson for all young athletes, not just Shedeur Sanders, to remember their roots and stay grounded. It’s easy to get caught up in the fame and success, but it’s important to stay humble and respectful towards others.
In conclusion, Stephen A. Smith’s stern reality check to Shedeur Sanders on the Xavier Smith controversy was much needed and well received. It serves as a reminder for all young athletes to stay humble, work hard, and never let their privilege cloud their judgment. As for Shedeur Sanders, it’s time to focus on improving his performance on the field and being a positive role model for his team and fans. Let this be a learning experience and a chance to grow as a player and a person. As Smith said, “It’s time to wake up and do better.”
