'Delusional' Cowboys Lovers Get Unusual Review from Stephen A.: 'Greatest Fan Base in the World!'
It's perhaps a shame for Dallas Cowboys fans that they can't rent out or sell the real estate they appear to own in Stephen A. Smith's mind.
Few have reveled in the Cowboys' recent downfall more than the outspoken ESPN commentator, whose most famous rants have come after Dallas losses. Smith addressed his apparent obsession with America's Team in an interview with Mackenzie Salmon of USA Today, offering its expansive fanbase a backhanded if not relatively warm compliment.
“I think Dallas Cowboy fans are born delusional. I don’t think there is anything that’s really sane about them,” Smith told Salmon. “But that’s what makes them arguably the greatest fan base in sports.”
"They could talk all the junk they want. They love me, I know they do, and I love them.”
Despite his barbs, with fresh ones coming after Dallas dropped consecutive contests to Buffalo and Miami, Smith hinted that there's nothing truly personal in his rivalry with Cowboys fans, to the point where he dreams of holding his flagship program "First Take" from the parking lot of AT&T Stadium on game day.
Indeed, our Mike Fisher has written often that Stephen A. is much more of a "comic actor'' than he is a "Cowboys hater.'' And Smith here seems to be agreeing with that.
"I know (the fans), and it’s all in fun. They’re a lot of fun, I love going to Dallas and messing with them," Smith continued. “I wish First Take would take shows there. I want to take my show there and do shows from there, what have you. I would love to do it ... one of my dreams is to do a show from the parking lot of AT&T Stadium during a tailgate party, before the game.”
It appears that Smith and the Cowboys aren't so different after all: like the New York-born host, Dallas (10-5) is longing for the friendly confines of AT&T Stadium, ones that have played host to seven wins in seven games. Smith has taken advantage of the Cowboys' issues on the road, which included the aforementioned interconference losses that have thrown a wrench in their plans to succeed Philadelphia as NFC East champions.
If Smith is looking to come to Arlington, he better hurry: the Cowboys wrap up their home slate on Saturday night when they take on the NFC North champion Detroit Lions (7:15 p.m. CT, ESPN/ABC).
