Stephen A. Smith Slams Baltimore Ravens’ John Harbaugh

There’s no end to the conversation surrounding Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson.

On Sunday, the first day of the Ravens’ training camp, head coach John Harbaugh passionately defended his quarterback. In his nearly three-minute tirade, Harbaugh took aim at those who unfairly criticize the two-time MVP, adding that the team’s vision for Jackson is to “become the greatest quarterback ever.”

“There’s a lot of good things said about Lamar, but there’s also a lot of things said that you have to wrap your head around and wonder what that person is even thinking. But we take it personally. … He’s still growing, he’s got a growth mindset, (and) he’s going to get better and better, no doubt. But what does he have to do to prove himself to some people, right?

Of course, that quote would get attention, and unfortunately, so does ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith. On Monday’s episode of “First Take,” Smith responded to Harbaugh’s comments with a lengthy tirade of his own.

“Well, first of all, I would appreciate it if he didn’t make up stories,” Smith said. “Because what he said was a lie. And second of all, I would like him to look in the mirror. I have a tremendous amount of respect for John Harbaugh. I think he’s a great coach. He’s a Super Bowl champion. He’s an elite coach in the National Football League. But he’s also known for his incredible honesty. With all due respect, Coach Harbaugh, what the hell are you talking about? What is this criticism and criticism of Lamar Jackson? Where is it coming from?

“There’s only one (criticism). You haven’t been to a Super Bowl. You haven’t won a Super Bowl championship.”

Well, for starters, Smith is responsible for some of the criticism Harbaugh is referring to, calling Jackson’s performance in the AFC Championship Game earlier this year a “choke job.” Smith is far from the only one to make such comments, but he is certainly one of the loudest.

Yes, Jackson’s postseason performance has left much to be desired, but critics have a number of other points to make against him, rightly or wrongly. Smith pretending that criticism doesn’t exist is just disingenuous, but that’s nothing new for him.

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