'Being a villain' helps marketability: Stephen A. Smith on Angel Reese, Caitlin Clark

ESPN's "First Take" star Stephen A. Smith joins Gayle King and Charles Barkley in studio to share his thoughts on the concept heroes and villains in women's basketball, how loved ones of athletes respond to harsh criticism, and where he ranks LeBron James and Charles Barkley. #CNN #News

[til_inf]

Glad SAS was fair here, some flack Angel Reese received is warranted. She does brag and taunt ON THE COURT, which is fair. But the death threats, the AI porn, and racial slurs is not something she deserves. Her tears were in response to a question about what she’s been experiencing, it’s ok to show emotion there. Not like she made excuses for her play on the court.

[malenomadiclion]

Gayle “tried” Stephen A. When she said “you think it’s strictly about race”? She definitely has the right man to debate her! Man is conscious, not sleep, and intelligent!

[brianyakata]

Please no more death threats to angel Reese

[folabomiamoo]

Stephen A is not gonna spend too many more years at ESPN. He has his eyes set on a much bigger role!

[sleeks]

It’s kinda like Magic J and Larry B in college.

[ernestbalthazar]

Charles was a bad man when he was playing. He never cheated the game he came to play every night in his prime. He just played in the era of MJ. He’s in my top ten. Still is one of my favorite people today That’s a man of values.

[tonyrutledgejr]

Angel Reese isn't a villain, the media put that identity on her. She's just herself.

[GentM]

This was legit such a fun and interesting conversation.

[stephenriggs]

Barkley used to annoy me, but I decided he was good for the game. Opponents played better, to shut him up, and he played better, to back up his words.

[nicolejonson]

I don't know what I expected from a black man they've always shown to be the ops. Because no one never criticized the white players like they do angel Reese.

[MrBudNess]

I love Stephen A. Smith on General Hospital.

[musicman]

The word "villain" needs to be removed when talking about athletes in sports. It's a stupid reference.

[lombardstreetbully]

Stephen a Smith is the goat, him linking with Shannon Sharp was one of the biggest power moves and Internet history

[joelamthach]

What a show both ladies from LSU and Iowa😊… they be real now and on… both ladies have lived up to their hypes.. they are real… this gonna be phenomenal

[SayNoToAuthoritarianism]

People need to understand that this is a sport and competition. Taunting and psychological trickery is NOT new in sports. Let the players play!!!

[Alani]

I really appreciate Stephen A's take on this issue. Is it an issue though, or great marketing? I think at the end of the day, They are both talented young ladies, and its great for the game!

[NastyKnox]

Real talk though, regardless of what you think about Reese. She's the main reason why many of us even care about Women's college ball in the past few months. She created this rivalry and it's exciting. Her personality sells the sport, and it brought extra attention to Caitlin. That's why that game between them broke viewership records. I wouldn't be surprised if it gets more views than the finals.

[yoyidqx]

I don't think it's 24 basketball players better than Barkley. He's in the top 15.

[LamarA-bqzz]

Who said she wanted to be the bad guy! Clark gets to talk her sh*t but Reese can't?

[km_ciyf]

my left ear really enjoyed this video.