Stephen A. Smith Takes Aim at Several Prominent Kaepernick Critics: ‘Somebody Needs to Call Them on the Carpet’

Stephen A. Smith has some harsh words for prominent Colin Kaepernick critics Boomer Esiason, Tony LaRussa, and John Tortorella.

Speaking on First Take Wednesday, Smith separated LaRussa, Tortorella, and Esiason from others who’ve spoken out against Kaepernick because they’ve said they would bench players who didn’t stand for the anthem.

“I think it’s insane that they’ve gotten away with saying it,” Smith said. “And somebody needs to call them on the carpet over it.”

The segment began with Smith expressing his disagreement with the comments of Clemson football coach Dabo Swinney, who’s among the latest voice his dissent regarding Colin Kaepernick’s protest. But Smith put Swinney and other notable Kaepernick critics like Trent Dilfer in a different category from Esiason, LaRussa, and Tortorella because the latter three have said they would punish players who refused to stand for the Anthem.

In particular, Smith called for Tortorella, who is coaching the United States World Cup of Hockey team, to be relieved of his duties.

“I don’t think John Tortorella should even be allowed to coach team USA until he retracts those damn statements,” Smith said. “I think it’s that much of a travesty.”

For more, check out the video above, via ESPN2.

[image via screengrab]

–

Follow Joe DePaolo (@joe_depaolo) on Twitter

New: The Mediaite One-Sheet "Newsletter of Newsletters"
Your daily summary and analysis of what the many, many media newsletters are saying and reporting. Subscribe now!