Stephen A. Smith Apologizes After Incorrectly Declaring Coach Nolan Richardson Deceased
ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith found himself at the center of controversy after mistakenly stating that legendary college basketball coach Nolan Richardson had passed away during a live segment of First Take on Friday. The error quickly went viral, prompting backlash from fans and sports analysts alike.
During the discussion, Smith was reflecting on Richardson’s impact on college basketball, particularly his success with the Arkansas Razorbacks, when he inadvertently mentioned the Hall of Fame coach in the past tense, implying he was deceased. The misstatement caught many viewers off guard, leading to immediate corrections across social media.
Shortly after the segment aired, Smith took to social media to acknowledge his mistake and offer a public apology. “I want to sincerely apologize to Coach Nolan Richardson, his family, and all of Razorback Nation for my mistake earlier today,” Smith wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “Coach Richardson is alive and well, and I deeply regret my error. He is a legend, and I have the utmost respect for everything he has done for the game of basketball.”
Richardson, now 82, is one of the most revered figures in college basketball history. He led Arkansas to a national championship in 1994, becoming the first Black head coach to win an NCAA Division I men’s basketball title. Known for his “40 Minutes of Hell” defensive style, Richardson remains a beloved figure in the sport.
While Smith’s mistake was unfortunate, his swift apology helped ease tensions. Many fans and former players defended him, noting that live TV mistakes happen. Others, however, criticized the lack of fact-checking, emphasizing the importance of accuracy when discussing historical figures.