Buckle up, football fans—Stephen A. Smith just turned an already tense Cowboys game into one of the most awkwardly unforgettable moments on live TV! Imagine being a die-hard critic of the Dallas Cowboys while cozying up with team owner Jerry Jones in his fancy suite, only to bail out early during a crushing defeat. This wild scene unfolded during the Cowboys' 27-17 home loss to the Arizona Cardinals on Monday Night Football, and it's got everyone talking. But here's where it gets controversial—did Smith's quick exit stem from pure frustration with the team's performance, or was there more to that sly side-eye he shot Jones? Stick around as we dive into the details and unpack the drama that had commentators cracking up.
Let's set the scene for those who might be new to this: Stephen A. Smith is a fiery, outspoken personality on ESPN's popular show 'First Take,' where he often calls out NFL teams and players without holding back. Jerry Jones, the flamboyant owner of the Dallas Cowboys, invited Smith to join him in his luxury box at AT&T Stadium in Arlington for this Monday Night Football matchup. With the game kicking off and the Cardinals jumping ahead 10-0 in the first quarter thanks to an early fumble by Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson, the cameras caught Smith giving Jones that infamous sideways glance. Then, in what seemed like a polite but hasty retreat, Smith patted Jones on the shoulder, shook his hand, and made his way out. It was all captured live for viewers, turning a simple visit into a viral highlight reel.
Not surprisingly, the ESPN broadcast team found the whole thing hilarious. Lead NFL analyst Troy Aikman, the Cowboys' legendary quarterback turned commentator, kept it brief but pointed: 'Look at that.' Play-by-play announcer Joe Buck, ever the witty storyteller, chimed in with, 'And then they say a picture is worth a billion words. There it is. Alright. Stephen A. is like "Alright, good luck. I'm outta here. I'm gonna go post on social media."' Buck was playing up the idea that Smith might have been heading straight to Twitter (or X, as it's known now) to vent his thoughts on the Cowboys' struggles.
For context, Smith was in Dallas not just for the game but to host a special edition of 'First Take' from the area. This episode marked the debut of Shae Cornette as the new host following Molly Qerim's sudden exit back in September. Cornette, stepping into a role that's all about heated debates and bold opinions on sports, had her hands full with Smith leading the charge. It's a show that keeps fans engaged by breaking down the NFL's biggest stories in real-time, often sparking heated discussions—perfect for someone like Smith who pulls no punches.
Adding another layer to this saga, Jerry Jones popped up on Smith's radio show live from Dallas earlier that day. The owner, known for his larger-than-life personality and hands-on approach to team decisions, chatted with Smith, hinting at some major moves on the horizon.
The drama didn't stop there. Over on ESPN2's 'ManningCast,' hosted by former quarterbacks Eli and Peyton Manning, the brothers and their guest, NBA legend Charles Barkley, had a field day with Smith's suite exit. Barkley, never one to miss a chance to tease, zeroed in on Smith's outfit, joking about the pink suit he was wearing: 'That pink suit, I'm not feeling that either. It's a little late in the season to be wearing pink.' Eli Manning quipped, mimicking Smith's supposed thoughts: 'He said, "You know what, this is not looking good, I'm out of here. I'm going to try and beat the traffic." He's not feeling good. He already got out of there.' It was lighthearted ribbing, but it underscored how Smith's decision to leave early became fodder for everyone involved.
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This defeat for the Cowboys marked their second consecutive loss, following a 44-24 thrashing by the Denver Broncos on October 26. Not helping matters, the team is currently sitting at 3-5 on the season, a far cry from the Super Bowl contenders they aim to be. During his radio chat with Smith, Jones dropped hints about a significant trade brewing ahead of Tuesday's 4 p.m. ET deadline—and sure enough, the Cowboys swung a deal early Tuesday morning to bring in Bengals linebacker Logan Wilson. Aikman, watching the game unfold without knowing the specifics, offered his take: 'He may want to cancel that trade. I don't think one player from what I've seen tonight is going to make a difference for this group.' It's a fair point—while Wilson is a talented addition, fixing a team's deeper issues often requires more than just one standout player, especially mid-season.
The Cowboys have a well-deserved bye week coming up before facing the Raiders (2-6) in Las Vegas on November 17. But here's the part most people miss: Incidents like Smith's awkward suite visit highlight the thin line between criticism and camaraderie in sports. On one hand, it's great that owners like Jones are open to engaging with media personalities, even critics—it fosters transparency and keeps fans invested. On the other, inviting someone who's publicly roasted your team could backfire spectacularly, as it did here. And this is the part that sparks debate: Was Smith wrong to leave so abruptly, potentially snubbing Jones? Or was it a savvy move to avoid associating with a struggling franchise? Some might argue it was disrespectful, while others see it as honest journalism in action. What do you think—should critics like Smith be more diplomatic during team visits, or is bluntness part of what makes sports commentary thrilling? Do you agree with Aikman's skepticism about the trade, or believe Wilson could be the spark the Cowboys need? Share your opinions in the comments below—let's turn this into a conversation!
