took a shot at drivers and golfers final week, claiming that they don’t seem to be actually “athletes.”
The “First Take” host, who is thought for his sizzling takes, sounded off on the 2 sports activities when discussing athleticism.
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Smith was responding to a caller on his radio present, who advisable Richard Petty as one of many biggest athletes of all-time. Smith was discussing the place ranked.
“Come on, man. That don’t depend,” Smith stated. “You driving a automobile! I’m being sincere, it’s an amazing sport. However come on, bro. Getting behind the wheel of a automobile will not be the identical. You could be behind the wheel of a automobile in your 60s and 70s, for crying out loud. A golfer will not be an athlete. A NASCAR driver will not be an athlete. Simply since you gotta stroll the course for 18 holes for 4 days, that don’t make you an athlete. They’re expert gamers; they’re elite at what they do. However athletes? Athletes? Are you kidding me? If you happen to’re on the market doing stuff that grandmas and grandpas can do, I’m not gonna have a look at you that means.”
Smith’s feedback rapidly went viral. Credit score: Jerome Miron-Imagn Photographs© Jerome Miron-Imagn Photographs
Smith has since taken a variety of warmth from the NASCAR world for his feedback.
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“Individuals like that must make feedback to remain related,” NASCAR star Joey Logano stated on Saturday.
This weekend, longtime NASCAR announcer Mike Pleasure determined to fireplace again
Throughout Sunday’s Jack Hyperlink’s 500 at Talladega, Pleasure fired again, although he did not immediately identify Smith, everybody knew who he was speaking about.
“Earlier this week, a widely known on-line pundit stated race automobile drivers are usually not athletes,” Pleasure stated in the course of the Talladega race. “I wish to ship him this sequence. And ask him to consider it.”
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The NASCAR world clearly stays bothered by Smith’s feedback.
Smith, although, is unlikely to again down from them.
This story was initially revealed by on Apr 27, 2026, the place it first appeared within the part. Add The Spun as a
