Stephen A. Smith claims Malika Andrews would have been fired if she didnt discuss NBA Draft star

Publish date: 2024-05-07

STEPHEN A. Smith has defended Malika Andrews after she faced backlash for bringing up Brandon Miller's connection to an Alabama murder case during the 2023 NBA Draft.

Andrews, 28, mentioned the Crimson Tide forward was a "cooperating witness" in the investigation into a fatal shooting of a woman that took place in January.

The ESPN host then asked her colleague, Bobby Marks, how those links could factor in the evaluation of Miller – who would eventually be selected second overall by the Charlotte Hornets.

Andrews – who became the first-ever female NBA draft host in June – did make it clear that two other men, and not the Alabama star, were indicted for capital murder charges.

Yet she still faced plenty of scrutiny with countless NBA fans claiming it wasn't appropriate to discuss Miller's involvement in the case on his big night.

But Stephen A. strongly disagreed in a recent appearance on Podcast P with Paul George.

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Smith claimed it was the NBA Today host's responsibility to bring up the 6-foot-9 forward's past.

"She getting crucified leading into the Draft because she's asking Brandon Miller a question or bringing up somebody's past," Stephen A. said.

"She had an obligation to ask those questions."

"She did her job. If she doesn't do her job, she's off the air. They [would be] like, 'What we need you for?'"

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Smith suggested the backlashed was a result of a general of misunderstanding journalistic principles.

The First Take star said media professionals are required to ask difficult questions if they are in the public interest.

Stephen A. also brought up his on-air clash with Andrews over the handling of head coach Ime Udoka's suspension by the Boston Celtics to prove his impartiality in defending his ESPN colleague.

However, Smith did acknowledge that there are circumstances that make certain questions inappropriate to ask at a given time.

He used the example of ex-Kansas basketball head coach Roy Williams being quizzed over potentially parting ways with the program right after losing in the NCAA Tournament final over 20 years ago.

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