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Blake Griffin unloads on Stephen A. Smith, Shams Charania and state of sports media

Blake Griffin spent 14 seasons in the NBA, so he’s certainly familiar with sports reporters, television personalities and the occasional hot take. Now that he’s retired, he’s apparently ready to offer a few opinions of his own. And Stephen A.…

By Sam Amico · Hoopswire

Published: Wednesday, 21 October 2026 at 5:55 PM

Key Things to Know

Blake Griffin criticized Stephen A. Smith, Shams Charania, and modern sports journalism on his new show.
Griffin argued that television debate shows prioritize exaggerated conflict over meaningful analysis of players.
Griffin questioned the prominence of news insiders who break transactions without traditional beat-reporting experience.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Former NBA star Blake Griffin launched his new show, The Stepback with Blake Griffin, on Prime Video and YouTube with an episode critiquing modern sports media. Griffin targeted prominent figures including Stephen A. Smith and Shams Charania, criticizing television debate formats and the heavy reliance on breaking-news insiders.

Griffin argued that the rise of scoop-focused insiders and hot-take debates has overshadowed traditional beat reporting. Defending daily beat writers, he highlighted how in-depth reporting provided vital accountability and context, recalling how investigative journalism led to former Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling selling the franchise.

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Blake Griffin unloads on Stephen A. Smith, Shams Charania and state of sports media

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