In a stunning reversal, ESPN’s highest-paid commentator in history has publicly apologized to NBA star Kyrie Irving, acknowledging that the criticism he leveled at Irving during the 2021–22 season may have been misplaced. Stephen A. Smith, known for his fiery takes and unwavering opinions, took to social media to issue a heartfelt mea culpa, saying he now believes Irving was “brave” for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine despite facing enormous financial and professional consequences.
The apology comes after Smith watched Dr. Anthony Fauci’s testimony before Congress, during which Fauci invoked the Fifth Amendment 111 times. According to Smith, the testimony prompted a period of reflection, leading him to reconsider the treatment of Irving, who was widely vilified for his vaccine stance.
“There’s several people that we all owe apologies to… but none more so than the apology that I owe to Kyrie Irving,” Smith said in a video posted to social media. “This is not about him, the basketball player. This is about him, the man.”
Smith, who was on vacation at the time, said he felt compelled to address the issue immediately after watching Fauci’s testimony. “I watched Dr. Fauci on Capitol Hill yesterday, and the person I thought about most was Kyrie Irving,” Smith explained. “Kyrie Irving stood out in my mind because of the heat that he was taking… He refused the vaccine. New York City’s mandate made him ineligible for home games, and he linked his stance to people losing jobs over vaccine mandates.”
During the 2021–22 NBA season, Irving’s refusal to comply with New York City’s vaccine mandate made him ineligible to play in home games for the Brooklyn Nets. At the time, Smith publicly blasted Irving, calling him “selfish” for his decision. The consequences were severe: Irving forfeited approximately $11.4 million in game checks and lost a potential $100 million extension with the Nets.
Now, Smith says hindsight has changed his perspective. “In my opinion, particularly hindsight-wise, it didn’t make him stubborn or selfish. It made him brave,” Smith said. “His willingness to stand up and say, ‘Nah, I’m not doing that.'”
Smith’s apology was not just about Irving’s basketball career but about the broader implications of his stance. Irving had linked his refusal to the idea that people were losing jobs over vaccine mandates, a connection that Smith now believes was prescient.
“The reality is Kyrie Irving, no matter what we think, may have been MORE RIGHT than we have given him credit for and unquestionably was more vilified than he deserved,” Smith said.
Smith concluded his apology with a statement that he says sums up the entire saga: “It turns out that, no matter what the truth is behind all of this, Kyrie Irving did nobody wrong. We did him wrong. I did him wrong. And for that, I’m sincerely sorry.”
The apology has sparked a wide range of reactions, with many fans and commentators praising Smith for his willingness to admit his mistakes. Others have pointed out that Irving’s sacrifice—$11.4 million in salary plus a $100 million extension—may be the largest financial cost any athlete has ever incurred for taking a principled stand on an issue.
Smith’s change of heart was also influenced by his friend Chris Cuomo, who publicly admitted that Fauci’s repeated invocation of the Fifth Amendment made it seem like he was “hiding something.” That admission, combined with the testimony itself, appears to have been a turning point for Smith.
“It’s just a time for reflection—to look at things differently,” Smith said, echoing his belief that many others may also owe apologies to those who were punished for opposing vaccine mandates.
Smith’s apology comes at a time when the debate over COVID-19 mandates and personal choice continues to resonate across the country. While some have moved on from the issue, Smith’s comments serve as a reminder of the lasting impact of those decisions.
As for Irving, he has not yet publicly responded to Smith’s apology, but the gesture may go a long way in repairing a relationship that was once strained by public criticism. Smith, for his part, seems to be at peace with his new stance, acknowledging that he, like many others, may have been too quick to judge.
The full video of Smith’s apology has been widely shared on social media, with many commenters applauding his humility and willingness to reassess his previous statements. Whether this marks a broader shift in how the media views vaccine mandates and individual choice remains to be seen, but for now, Stephen A. Smith is leading the way in acknowledging that he may have been wrong.
Source: www.thegatewaypundit.com — https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2026/07/i-did-him-wrong-stephen-smith-issues-stunning/