Former Cincinnati Bengals legend Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson pulled no punches after climbing out of a NASCAR stock car, declaring Stephen A. Smith “doesn’t know what he’s talking about.” This fiery response comes after Smith’s controversial comments dismissing NASCAR drivers as athletes, and now Ochocinco has the firsthand experience to back up his stance.
Stephen A.’s Hot Take Gets Blasted, Again
You remember Stephen A. Smith’s takes, right? Earlier this year, he ignited a full-blown debate, flat out saying NASCAR drivers and golfers don’t belong in the “greatest athletes of all time” conversation. When Richard Petty’s name came up, Smith was like, “Come on, man. That don’t count. You driving a car?” He even doubled down on it, throwing shade at 75-year-olds behind the wheel and insisting that golfers and NASCAR drivers aren’t athletes. Talk about a polarizing take! It really got people talking, and frankly, some were pretty steamed about it.
Ochocinco’s 180 MPH Reality Check
Well, Ochocinco just flipped the script on Smith’s whole argument. The former NFL star jumped into a NASCAR stock car with the 2023 Cup Series champion, Ryan Blaney, for the latest “On The Gas” video series. Imagine this: Ochocinco, riding shotgun, feeling nearly 180 mph at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway! After that adrenaline rush, there was zero doubt where he stood. He was direct: “He doesn’t know what he’s talking about because he hasn’t been in here.” Ochocinco stressed that if Smith experienced that, especially thinking about 40 cars on race day, it would put things into perspective. What he said next really hits hard: “Because this is life or death. Not the NFL, not the NBA. One wrong move can cost someone’s life. You have to be very athletic to be able to do what they do here.” Coming from a guy who spent 11 seasons in the NFL, that comment carries serious weight. He knows what athletic demands are all about.
Why Ochocinco’s Voice Matters in This Debate
Ochocinco isn’t alone in pushing back on Smith. Former Cup Series champ Kevin Harvick went off right after Smith’s original comments, saying if you don’t know about racing, keep your opinion to yourself. Harvick didn’t hold back, calling it an instance of Smith looking for clicks. But Ochocinco’s response is different. He wasn’t defending the sport because he competed in it, like Harvick. His opinion changed because he experienced it firsthand, even just from the passenger seat. That’s why his words are resonating. He felt enough of the danger and skill required to understand what those drivers face every single weekend. It makes you wonder if Stephen A. will ever take him up on the offer to see it for himself, right?
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
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