Stephen A. Smith’s public feud with NASCAR is continuing.
Last week, Smith called out NASCAR drivers, claiming that they aren’t really “athletes.” Smith’s comments came after some of his radio show callers suggested NASCAR athletes among the best ever, while the ESPN host was praising LeBron James.
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“Getting behind the wheel of a car is not the same. You can be behind the wheel of a car in your 60s and 70s, for crying out loud. A golfer is not an athlete. A NASCAR driver is not an athlete,” Smith ranted. “Just because you gotta walk the course for 18 holes for four days, that don’t make you an athlete. They’re skilled players; they’re elite at what they do. But athletes? Athletes? Are you kidding me? If you’re out there doing stuff that grandmas and grandpas can do, I’m not gonna look at you that way.”
Smith’s comments did not sit well with the NASCAR world, including top drivers like Joey Logano.
Stephen A. Smith prior to the Phoenix Suns against the Milwaukee Bucks in game three of the 2021 NBA Finals.Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Logano made it clear that he doesn’t respect Smith’s comments. He accused the ESPN personality of having to say things to stay relevant. And he’s not really wrong about that – or anyone in media, of course. But that doesn’t mean they are lying.
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“People like that have to make comments to stay relevant,” Logano said when asked about Smith. “I mean, that’s part of their game, right? They gotta make big moments so people watch. He got exactly what he wanted — he got you talking about it, the whole industry talking about it. Now he’s relevant.”
Smith, meanwhile, fired back.
The ESPN personality sounds off on NASCAR drivers
Smith called out Logano “directly” on Monday.
“Let me speak directly to Mr. Joey Logano, I don’t know you from a can of paint,” Smith said. “Why can’t I just have an opinion about NASCAR? Why do I have to be doing it to stay relevant? My television show has been No. 1 in the morning for 14 straight years. I’m on television and radio and my career spans 30 years.
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“What do you mean? ‘To get a job’ or ‘to keep a job.’ Check the news. Google me. I don’t have that concern. I’ve been blessed by God enough not to have that concern… Do I look like somebody that needs to be relevant? I am relevant.”
This story was originally published by The Spun on Apr 28, 2026, where it first appeared in the Sports Media section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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