Golden State Warriors Draymond Green addressed Stephen A. Smith on Shaq's "The Big Podcast" last week.
Green told Shaq, "Stephen A. Smith really pissed me off." He explained his issue with Stephen A. by saying he spoke up for him even on video.
While suspended earlier in the NBA season, Draymond noted Stephen A. did not act similarly. Green believes he "lost a lot of respect" for Smith.
Since their conflict was public, Stephen A. Smith attacked Green on First Take. Dyarmond Green apologized to Stephen A. Smith for the live TV miscommunication.
Guest analyst Green apologized live on TNT's "Inside the NBA" pregame program for his prior comments about disrespecting Smith before Game 4 of the Western Conference finals.
Draymond stated, “[Shaquille O'Neal], I was on your podcast... and you just mentioned Stephen A,” Green continued, “And I said something that didn't come out the way I said it, so I want to apologize to him I was incorrect to say that publicly.”
Smith promptly apologized on Twitter and accepted Green's apology. Smith posted, “Apology accepted my brother [Draymond Green],” adding, “The love is always here for you, my Queens’ brother Kenny [Smith], and the whole TNT crew.
Smith is noted for his acerbic views. Green's prolonged ban for slapping Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkić in the face during a game on December 12 bothered the ESPN personality.