Fans are not happy with Stephen A. Smith’s apology after mocking Lane Johnson’s mental health
· Yahoo Sports
Stephen A. Smith issued an apology to retiring Philadelphia Eagles OT Lane Johnson after mocking the mental health factors that led to the 36-year-old’s decision to retire.
Johnson called time on an illustrious 14-year NFL career with the Eagles, winning two Super Bowls with the franchise while becoming a two-time First-Team All-Pro, three-time Second-Team All-Pro, and a six-time Pro Bowler.
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Johnson retiring after the Eagles’ 2-2 start to the 2026 NFL season drew the ire of Stephen A. Smith, who slammed Johnson’s mental health and the Eagles for the decision. Now, he has had to walk his comments back.
Stephen A. Smith’s apology to Lane Johnson is not convincing fans
Smith apologised to Johnson on the recent episode of the Stephen A. Smith show.
“I’m sorry that when I was on television earlier this morning on First Take ESPN… People misconstrued me as minimising mental health. I would never do that. I have had mental health issues… I wasn’t talking about Lane Johnson. I was talking about how the Eagles and how chaotic this situation is can drive you to it (retirement).”
Fans are not buying Smith’s apology given the context of his initial comments, which made everyone on First Take visibly uncomfortable and led to a mountain of backlash, including from other NFL players.
“Saying “I would not minimize mental health” is INSANE when that’s exactly what you did and there’s no way to misunderstand or misconstrue what you meant to say. The body language of those around you says it all,” said one fan, dismissing Smith’s apology.
“‘People misconstrued me.’ What a clown,” said another fan.
“Lol you got your views & clicks, that’s all you were trying to do. Miss us with all of this. All your coworkers who just sat there & didn’t say anything are at fault as well,” said a fan.
“There was no ‘misunderstanding.’ You were a loudmouth as usual, and now you’re doing damage control,” were the thoughts of another fan.
“It’s okay Stephen, we don’t expect much more from you,” said one fan.
“We saw the video, you absolutely did This isn’t an apology: it’s a lie,” said another irate fan, calling Smith a liar.
What did Stephen A. Smith say about Lane Johnson on First Take?
Smith’s rant on First Take after Johnson’s retirement had him eviscerate the Eagles legend for retiring midseason instead of before, citing mental health as a weak reason.
“He went like this, ‘You know what? I’m gonna call it quits,’ Now, he calls it quits. Not before the season. Not in the offseason. Oh, no, no, no, no! After being subjected to this, he said, ‘Life is a little bit too short. I need to focus’ — what did he say? His mental health? Am I making it up?”
Johnson has openly spoken about his struggles with anxiety and depression throughout his playing career, previously missing games with these issues.
Johnson has referenced health issues for his parents and his growing kids in the past as major factors as well.
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