Cowboys' Micah Parsons Puts ESPN's Stephen A. Smith in Hospital at NBA All-Star Game
Talk about breaking ankles.
At the height of his football stardom, Dallas Cowboys edge rusher Micah Parsons has achieved full celebrity status. With it comes a chance to participate in the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game, where the biggest names in sports and media combine for an entertaining event.
Parsons’ trip wasn’t without incident, though. As Molly Qerim revealed on First Take, Parsons sent his coach – ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith – to the hospital with a swift crossover.
“Yesterday, S.A. had to get up to Naptown early and they had a practice, so he started messing around with Micah Parsons of all people, one of the guys on his team,” Qerim said. “Micah crossed him over, and all I know is Stephen A. is at the hospital right now getting X-rays.”
Smith, of course, is one of Dallas’ most notorious critics, known for his “accident waiting to happen” catchphrase and his ability to find the camera when the Cowboys come up short.
He recently joined Parsons’ podcast, “The Edge,” where he continued his act, calling Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott a “choir boy” right to the edge rusher’s face.
They’ve had their differences, but sending him to the hospital? That may only embolden Smith's commentary.
Obviously, Parsons didn’t intend to hurt anybody, pundit or not. Smith still managed to make an appearance on Friday’s episode of First Take, wearing an ankle brace and blaming some sweat for his tumble.
“That damn Micah Parsons is on the basketball court acting like he trying to sack quarterbacks and stuff,” Smith said. “He and I were shooting around. Shooting against one another, and it was some sweat on the floor, and I was about to pull up, just shoot it, I literally bust my a**.”
Smith reported that he felt fine in the immediate moments after the fall and that it wasn’t until Thursday night that his ankle “felt on fire.” Eventually, it was deemed necessary to take a trip to the hospital.
Fortunately, Smith is still suiting up for the celebrity contest, where he’ll be matched up with his co-host, NFL Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe. With his pride and toughness on the line, he ensured that he would “Definitely” coach on Friday in Indianapolis.
Fans can tune in at 6 p.m. (CT on ESPN to watch Smith, Parsons, and the remaining stars duel for Celebrity All-Star Game immortality. Given the recent developments, the Dallas faithful better hope Parsons comes up clutch for his ailing coach.
