Stephen A. Smith Defends Malika Andrews Amid Criticism From Dez Bryant

Josh Giddey’s alleged relationship with a minor has led to a Stephen A. Smith and Dez Bryant spat. Dez has been critical of ESPN’s Malika Andrews, claiming she delayed coverage of Giddey’s scandal and attacking her upbringing. Stephen A. defended his colleague against Dez’s “extreme” comments,” leading to a back-and-forth.

On Wednesday (Nov. 29), Smith responded to Bryant on The Stephen A. Smith Show. “Dez Bryant, I respect you my brother, but that was a bit extreme,” he said. “Josh Giddey is being investigated for allegedly messing with an underaged girl. We don’t know the facts. So, getting on Malika Andrews, I believe, is off-kilter and a bit extreme. Bringing up her parents, her upbringing, some private school education. Come on, Dez.”

“In this Josh Giddey situation, because the situation is so sensitive, you can’t go on the air with a strong opinion, sounding accusatory as if you’re indicting someone when an investigation is still open,” Smith added. “We don’t know.”

The ex-Dallas Cowboy shot back at the First Take host. He xweeted he would love to join his show to provide more context on his perspective.

“I love to come on your show and provide more context in what I’m saying because I think a lot of you seem to miss my point,” Bryant typed. “I don’t mind talking about nothing I’ve ever been through to validate my point even more on the unfair treatment against certain athletes in the media world.”

As he continued, Bryant apologized to Malika Andrews later that night. He stated he wouldn’t be talking about the topic any longer. However, he would continue the conversation if he was invited to Smith or Andrews’ shows. Additionally, the athlete insisted he wasn’t trying to make it a “white or Black thing.” He also regretted aggressively attacking the NBA Today host.

“I ain’t talking about the situation no more unless @stephenasmith @malika_andrews wanna talk on air. But I do wanna apologize for coming so aggressive at @malika_andrews. But I do wonder if she even realizes how certain things look?” he added. “I’ve experienced unfairness and saw white athletes get a slap on the wrist for doing sh*t I know that will get you kicked off a team in a heartbeat. I really hate to make it seem like a black and white thing but the unfairness is real.”

Giddey is reportedly under investigation by the NBA for allegations of participating in an inappropriate relationship with an underage girl.

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