The tension between LeBron James and ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith over criticism of Bronny James shows no sign of slowing, and now, former NFL player turned analyst Emmanuel Acho has weighed in.
Taking to social media, Acho applauded LeBron for defending his son and used the moment to call out what he sees as a dangerous trend in sports media. In a passionate video posted on X, Acho didn’t mince words as he supported LeBron‘s decision to directly confront Smith.
The encounter took place courtside during a Lakers game, where LeBron addressed Smith over past comments about Bronny’s NBA career. According to Acho, LeBron’s defense of his son was not only justified but long overdue.
Acho Calls Out Smith for Overstepping Boundaries on Bronny
Acho zeroed in on a specific moment when Smith previously questioned LeBron’s parenting by pleading with him “as a father” about Bronny‘s NBA future. In Acho’s view, this was an unnecessary personal attack that crossed a line.
“Remember when Stephen A. had the audacity to say, ‘LeBron, I’m pleading with you as a father’?” Acho asked in his video, pointing out how inappropriate that was.
The former linebacker praised LeBron for standing up for himself and his son, emphasizing that athletes’ families should be off-limits in sports commentary.
“I love it. I’m glad LeBron not only saw him, but I’m glad he kept that same energy,” Acho said, defending LeBron‘s decision to take the matter into his own hands.
Acho also criticized the culture of sports media, where commentators like Smith are allowed to make bold, often personal remarks without repercussions.
“We need to be held responsible for what we say about people. Myself included,” Acho admitted, calling for accountability among sports analysts.
What stood out most to Acho was LeBron‘s approach. Instead of exchanging barbs through media, LeBron confronted Smith directly, without giving him a chance to deflect or respond.
“It wasn’t a dialogue. It was a monologue. You talk all the time. Now it’s my turn to speak,” Acho said, applauding LeBron for handling it face-to-face.
While Smith later attempted to soften his stance on First Take, claiming his criticisms were about the pressure on Bronny rather than Bronny himself, Acho wasn’t buying it. He argued that if Smith were talking about any other athlete, he would’ve been much harsher.
“At some point, the line has to be drawn,” Acho added, making clear that media figures need to recognize when they’ve crossed from fair critique to unfair personal attacks.
Ultimately, Acho‘s message is that while analyzing an athlete’s performance is fair game, dragging family members into the conversation should never be acceptable. And in this case, he believes LeBron James had every right to confront the issue head-on.
