Stephen A. Smith has raised concerns about racial bias following the Miami Dolphins’ decision to dismiss General Manager Chris Grier after a heavy 28-6 defeat against the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday.
By Friday morning, the Dolphins had publicized their decision to “part ways” with Grier.
Stephen M. Ross, Chairman of the Board and Managing General Partner, issued a statement confirming Grier’s departure.
“This morning, I reached a mutual decision with General Manager Chris Grier that it’s time to part ways. I hold immense respect for Chris and his family, and I extend my gratitude for his contributions to the Dolphins over the past 26 years,” Ross stated.
Ross continued, “After evaluating the team’s status and having discussions with Chris, it was evident that immediate change is essential. We must enhance our performance now and in future seasons. Effective immediately, Champ Kelly will assume the role of interim general manager, and the search for a new general manager will commence.” This was reported by BroBible.
Stephen A. Smith, however, perceives the decision differently, suggesting it may be racially motivated. He questions why Mike McDaniel, who is white, was not dismissed before Chris Grier, who is black.
“It was about Tua. It was about Mike McDaniel. And the brother gets fired first? All I know is this, I better hear Mike McDaniel’s name today,” he exclaimed on ESPN’s First Take on Friday.
Smith went on to blast the team and said McDaniel should be fired, too.
“Mike McDaniel with the glasses, giving one-word answers at the press conference, looking like a man from the Geek Squad from Best Buy…that brother gets to keep his job for the rest of the season? Nah, that’s BS. That man needs to be gone, too,” Smith said.
One commenter turned that right around on Smith, writing on X, “If McDaniels’ skin was darker, there’s no way SAS would call for his firing.”
Smith has a history of throwing the race card in his sports commentary.
In August, for instance, he insisted that white sports analysts should not be allowed to comment on black players’ actions on the field during fights between players.
