Stephen A. Smith 'Disgusted' By Knicks Fans' Behavior During NBA Finals

Following news that multiple Knicks fans were arrested outside Madison Square Garden at the end of Game 3 on Monday, ESPN's Stephen A. Smith had some harsh words for the rest of the fanbase.

Ahead of Game 4 at MSG, Smith called it "disgusting" and "embarrassing" that so many people got arrested at a Knicks watch party and lamented that 22-year-old Spurs star Victor Wembanyama had to be the voice of reason.

"It's disgusting, and I think it's embarrassing that a 22-year-old from France has to remind us about how we're supposed to act," Smith said on Wednesday's edition of First Take.

Calling Them Out

Some fans took issue that Smith was using Wemby as an example of how to act, but others appreciated someone with a larger platform being a voice of reason:

"Stephen A. calling out the fan behavior is exactly what needed to be said," one user wrote on X.

"KAT made a comment too, why only reference Wemby's comment?" wrote another.

"None of that is accurate and Wemby did worse on the court. Just STFU already! You do not represent NY and no one here likes you!" another angrily replied.

"It is certainly embarrassing. As a New Yorker… Shame on New Yorkers. However… The French kid isn't one to look up to when it comes to how we're supposed to act. He's been unable to control his outbursts for a month. Prob 4 or 5x on court. He's just not allowed to be held accountable for it."

"Blame the fans when and if they lose!"

"The 22 year old from France should honestly worry more about how he acts lol"

"Idk why every time Stephen A likes to act like a mayor of new york city"

Unfortunately, there are consequences for some of the behavior that the wider world saw on Monday. Tonight's game will feature a nearly identical level of security in and around Madison Square Garden despite President Trump not being in attendance for Game 4.

If that's the kind of behavior that fan engage in when they lose, hopefully they'll win and have a reason to celebrate rather than vent.

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