Steelers Now
Prominent ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith made headlines recently for ripping the city of Memphis, stating that NBA players are hesitant to play for the Memphis Grizzlies due to safety concerns related to crime.
“The people in Memphis,” Smith said. “It’s a great sports town. Great fans. Great people. But there’s an element there where cats like Jimmy Butler and others don’t feel it’s the safest environment. I’m talking to the local authorities in Memphis. You got to clean some of that stuff up because it’s dissuasive to NBA players. They have talked about it. I know. They’ve told me… It’s moving in the right direction, but it’s still recognized as one of the worst cities in America. To the point where the head of the FBI has called it ‘the murder capital of this country’ per capita. That’s on the record.”
Smith’s degrading comments about the city of Memphis caught the attention of Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III, who is a Memphis native. Austin also played his college ball at the University of Memphis.
“Please just ignore dude, disney said he needed some more engagements cause ratings were looking (terrible),” Austin wrote on X.
Calvin Austin III kind of regretted giving Smith any attention, as he believes that’s what his goal was.
“Me too, knowing he smiling looking at the engagements,” Austin responded to a comment that said “I hate we helped him clip farm.”
please just ignore dude, disney said he needed some more engagements cause ratings were looking 🥴 https://t.co/MLRfE1Fc3J
— CantCatchCal (@CalvinAustinIII) June 18, 2025
Memphis Mayor Paul Young also condemned Smith’s comments, and invited him to come visit the city to see the vast improvements. Smith apologized for his remarks and accepted the invite.
“Good afternoon Mr. @MayorPaulYoung. Deeply appreciate your words and the sentiments that came with them. Progress is what life is all about and when it comes to Memphis -where some dear friends of mine reside — I wish for nothing less. The people deserve nothing less. So with that said, I accept your invitation to come to your city, as your guest. Let’s make it happen. I’m looking forward to it.”
Memphis has had significant challenges, especially concerning crime and poverty, which have impacted its perception of safety. But, like in anything, it’s never good to overgeneralize. Smith’s opinion of the city could change once he interacts with the people that live there and gains a true understanding of its history.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Calvin Austin III Calls Out Stephen A. Smith over Disrespectful Comments
