There’s so much to unpack in this one photo.
Just in case you needed a little more proof that we’re living in the weirdest timeline: Here’s Stephen A. Smith trying to enjoy a Sunday cookout while being tracked down and ask about Kamala Harris’ presidential bid in the wake of Joe Biden’s announcement he won’t be seeking a second term.
You never know who you’re going to meet while out reporting.
Just ran into @stephenasmith at a park. His thoughts on Biden’s decision to step down:
“It was long overdue. … On the Democratic side, it’s time for everyone to get behind Kamala Harris.” pic.twitter.com/rnCGmhxYFg
— Joshua Needelman (@JoshNeedelman) July 21, 2024
Forget literally any SAS quote here, because this photo is an unintentional work of art. A stunning, modern tableau of brilliance with one of sport’s most recognized figures front and center. Like something out of Where’s Waldo? you keep staring at this and notice more and more elements that make it special.
The face
Do you have any idea how mad this man is right now? He’s just trying to chill on a Sunday without some dude coming up to him asking him about politics. Also, there’s some severe body language going on here.
“Cheeks sucked in to the extent that the lower lips curl can indicate pensiveness which may be uncomfortable (look also for a furrowed brow)”
Check, check, and check.
This woman, who has absolutely had it with this reporter’s bullshit
She’s out here just trying to have a cookout and you’re ruining it. She’s posted up in front of the King’s Hawaiian trying to chill and you’re all up in here asking about Kamala Harris.
This girl, who just wants it to be over
I feel for this child. Imagine if you’re a youth who’s related to Stephen A. Smith. You already have to endure you classmates making fun of his Pokemon takes, and now you can’t even get dragged to Sunday dinner without someone finding y’all.
Stephen’s plate
I could spend an hour on this plate alone, but let’s just hit the top-level observations. These are either sauceless, or lightly-sauced wings. Nothing to dip them in. No sides. No veggies. Just wings. Also SAS opted for a five wing first plate, and he picked four drums and one flat.
This is a pro move, because drums are where it’s at — but man, that’s a selfish-ass wing ratio. You gotta fall on the sword and take a few more flats to balance it out.
My man brought a sweater
The reporter is based in NYC, so we have to assume this is in a New York park. The photo was posted at 5:36 p.m. on Sunday afternoon. At that time, in this location it was 84 degrees out. What it the world made SAS leave the house and think “it might be cold out” to the point where he grabbed a sweater?
Obviously he made the wrong move, otherwise he wouldn’t tie it around his waist — but still I have major questions about the organizational element that made him think he even might need a sweater in the park in July.
Why’d you bug this man and his family?
I have nothing but the utmost respect for journalists who were out on their grind Sunday because of the Biden announcement when they were just enjoying another day of rest. That said, what in the world possessed you to think approaching Stephen A. Smith at his family dinner was the right move? My man, let this poor family enjoy their Sunday afternoon in the park.
It’s not like SAS is the right person, or this is the right venue to ask about the political future of the nation. Just let him eat his dry-ass drums in peace, protected from the non-existent cold by his reserve sweater.
