“Doesn’t make me any less disgusted” – Stephen A. Smith Vows To Drop ‘Gangster’ Label For Kawhi Leonard While Doubling Down On His Explosives Take

ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith announced on social media that he will stop using the label "gangster" when referring to Kawhi Leonard following public backlash. Smith had used the analogy on ESPN's "First Take" after the NBA penalized Leonard and the Los Angeles Clippers for circumventing the league's salary cap rules. Despite stepping back from the specific phrasing, Smith emphasized that he remains thoroughly disgusted by Leonard's actions.

The NBA recently sanctioned Leonard with a $700,000 fine and stripped the Clippers of five future first-round draft picks alongside other penalties. NBA insider Shams Charania reported that collective bargaining limitations prevented harsher penalties, such as contract voiding or suspensions, due to evidentiary thresholds. Leonard, who now plays for the Toronto Raptors, averaged 27.9 points across 65 games last season.