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Stephen A. Smith Fires Back at Charles Barkley for Bashing New Yorkers

Mike McDaniel

Sports commentator Stephen A. Smith is welcomed by the crowd during a live taping of ESPN's \"First
Sports commentator Stephen A. Smith is welcomed by the crowd during a live taping of ESPN's \"First / Tori Lynn Schneider/Tallahassee Democrat
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ESPN's Stephen A. Smith, a native New Yorker and diehard Knicks fan, was not pleased by comments made by TNT's Charles Barkley on Inside the NBA, where Barkley said that he hoped the Knicks would "get their ass stomped."

Barkley said that New Yorkers think they are the greatest thing since sliced bread, and that's why he was rooting against the Knicks in their series against the Pacers.

Smith, who is good friends with Barkley, ripped him on Thursday's episode of First Take.

"Chuck needs to shut the hell up," Smith said on Thursday. "...the only time his behind shows up in New York City is when he was doing the show with Gayle King for CNN or when he's doing the NCAA tournament. Other than that, he ain't interested in New York City. And by the way, if you paid attention, we're actually the opposite. We know we're not all that...that's part of the problem...we're not delusional. We know how sickening the Knicks have been, which is why we're on this high right now, because we see them legitimately scratching and grinding and clawing."

Unfortunately for Barkley, the Knicks are up 2-0 on the Pacers in the Eastern Conference semifinals, and just 10 wins away from an NBA title.

Game 3 of the second round playoff series is set for Friday night.

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Mike McDaniel

MIKE MCDANIEL