While many were expressing outrage at his comments about domestic violence, Stephen A. Smith let his followers on Twitter know that he was also ANNOYED.
A panelist on ESPN's polarizing "First Take" program, Smith came under fire on Friday for claiming that victims of domestic violence need to be mindful of "the elements of provocation" when dealing with abusers. The remarks were made during a discussion relating to the NFL's recent suspension of Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice following his arrest in February for allegedly striking his then-fiancee during an altercation at a casino.
Prominent among those disgusted by the comments and their apparent implications was Michelle Beadle, a host of ESPN's "SportsNation." Shortly after she called out Smith for his commentary and spoke out against victim-blaming on Twitter, Smith responded to the developing controversy by defending himself and his views in a long series of tweets. While Smith conceded that he "could've been more articulate on the matter," he basically reiterated his inflammatory stance. Rather than offering a straightforward apology, Smith apologized to Beadle and all woman who "misconstrued" what he had said.
This will be a long tweeted message, folks. So please stay with me and let me finish my complete thought before responding...b/c i'm ANNOYED
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) July 25, 2014
In discussing the Ray Rice ruling earlier today on @ESPN_FirstTake, me and @RealSkipBayless ventured into discussing domestic violence.
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) July 25, 2014
Upon hearing what I had to say, although admitting I could've been more articulate on the matter, let me be clear: I don't understand how on
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) July 25, 2014
earth someone could interpret that I somehow was saying women are to blame for domestic violence. And when I saw @MichelleDBeadle -- a
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) July 25, 2014
colleague I have profound respect for -- tweet what she tweeted, enough is enough. Something needs to be said right now.
REPEATEDLY i said:— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) July 25, 2014
There is absolutely no excuse to put your hands on a women. REPEATEDLY, I said dudes who do that need to be dealt with. REPEATEDLY, I echoed
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) July 25, 2014
when confronted by it in the past -- when someone was stupid enough to touch a loved one of this man, raised by 4 older sisters, a mom and
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) July 25, 2014
numerous female relatives and loved ones, that man was dealt with. From that point, I simply asked: now what about the other side.
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) July 25, 2014
If a man is pathetic and stupid enough to put his hands on a woman -- which I have NEVER DONE, btw -- of course he needs to pay the price.
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) July 25, 2014
In no way was I accusing a women of being wrong. I was simply saying what that preventive measures always need to be addressed because
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) July 25, 2014
there's only but so much that can be done after the fact....once the damage is already done. Nothing more.
My apologies to @MichelleDBeadle— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) July 25, 2014
And any woman out there who misconstrued what I said. I have always -- and will always -- find violence against a women every bit as
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) July 25, 2014
horrific as women, themselves, find it. Always have. Always will, which my personal behavior exemplifies. I'll strive to be more articulate
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) July 25, 2014
in the future. But be clear, I wasn't BLAMING women for anything. I was simply saying to take all things into consideration for preventative
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) July 25, 2014
purposes. Period.
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) July 25, 2014