Terrell Owens is not backing down, not one bit. The Pro Football Hall of Famer is pushing hard for ESPN to actually suspend Stephen A. Smith, saying an apology just isn’t cutting it after Smith’s controversial comments about former Eagles star Lane Johnson and his mental health. Owens made his feelings known on his “Get TO the Point” podcast, clearly fed up with the situation and questioning why Smith hasn’t faced serious consequences.
Stephen A.’s Comments Stirred Up a Firestorm About Lane Johnson’s Retirement
The whole thing blew up after Lane Johnson announced his retirement on October 6, wrapping up a 14-year career entirely with Philadelphia, including two Super Bowl wins. Johnson said his priorities shifted and he needed to focus on his mental health and family. Fair enough, right? Except the very next day on ESPN’s “First Take,” Stephen A. Smith questioned the *timing* of Johnson’s decision. He went so far as to connect that sudden retirement to the Eagles’ early-season struggles. Yikes. That immediately drew major criticism, even from his own ESPN colleague Kimberley A. Martin, because talking about someone’s mental health, especially in that way, is just a super sensitive subject.
An Apology Was Made, But T.O. Says It’s Not Enough
Smith eventually got it. He opened “First Take” on October 8 with an apology, admitting he handled the subject poorly. He even said his intention didn’t matter as much as how his comments were received, acknowledging he was wrong to Johnson and the Eagles and that he made light of a serious mental health issue. Pretty strong words for an apology, you’d think that would be the end of it, right? Nope. For Owens, it’s just not enough. T.O., who played for the Eagles, Cowboys, and 49ers, stressed that someone with Smith’s massive platform has a huge responsibility, especially when mental health is on the table. He isn’t satisfied with words; he wants to see action. This isn’t just a misstep to Owens; it’s a question of accountability on a major scale.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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