ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith told students Monday at the University of South Alabama that while racism “exists,” “youngsters” like them don’t experience it.
“Racism doesn’t exist. Obviously, I’m lying. Of course it exists, but not for you,” Smith said, as quoted by local television station WKRG. “See, you don’t have to go to the back of the bus. You’re not denied the opportunity to eat at restaurants, or to enter night clubs, or to patronize businesses. You have the right to vote. You’re not being lynched. You’re not being hung.”
He make the comments while speaking at a Black History Month event. Smith, who has been heavily criticized for his opinions on domestic violence before, then said older students may experience racism.
“You’re older, you know I’m not talking about you. But youngsters, you need to understand that white folks got problems, too,” he said. “Some of them can’t pay their bills. Some of them are struggling. Some of them are being denied opportunities. And you need to understand that. Because when people are going through their own problems, they are not going to lament what your trials and tribulations are.”
In January, ESPN urged on-air talent and contract employees to avoid political commentary and suspended former MLB star pitcher Curt Schilling for comments comparing Muslims to Nazis.
