CHUMP: Stephen A. Smith

Stephen A. Smith earns the Chump designation for his reaction to Lane Johnson’s retirement.

Johnson walked away from football after a brilliant career with the Philadelphia Eagles, saying it was critical that he focus on his mental health and his family. Smith responded by questioning the timing and framing the decision as though Johnson had somehow let his team down.

That was a bad take.

Smith has openly discussed his own personal struggles, which makes the lack of empathy here even harder to understand. He has absolutely no idea what is happening inside Lane Johnson’s life right now, and neither do the rest of us.

What we do know is that Johnson gave everything he had to Philadelphia. He spent more than a decade as one of the best offensive linemen in football, played through pain, won championships, and built a career that deserves nothing but respect.

At some point, the hot take has to stop.

Johnson does not owe television personalities a detailed explanation of his mental health. If he says he needs to step away, that should be enough.

There are times when criticism is fair. This is not one of them.

Respect the career. Respect the decision.

And most importantly, respect the person.