ESPN’s Stephen A Smith nearly booed out of MSG by Knicks fans over resurfaced comments (opens original article in a new tab)

ESPN's Stephen A. Smith faced backlash from Knicks fans for past comments about the team's players, leading to an on-air apology after the Knicks won their first NBA championship in 53 years.

• ESPN host Stephen A. Smith was booed by Knicks fans over past criticisms of Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart
• Smith apologized on live TV for his previous comments about the Knicks players
• The Knicks won their first NBA championship in 53 years, ending a long championship drought
• Brunson set a finals record with 45 points and was named 2026 Finals MVP