Stephen A. Smith Changes Stance on Kawhi Leonard After ‘Gangster’ Label Sparks Pushback

Stephen A. Smith has publicly retracted his description of Kawhi Leonard as a "gangster" following private feedback from his inner circle. Speaking on his YouTube show, Smith agreed to eliminate the term from future commentary, acknowledging the negative connotations it carries, though he maintained his broader criticism of Leonard's off-court business dealings.

The commentary followed severe NBA penalties against the Los Angeles Clippers for salary cap circumvention involving Leonard. The franchise was fined $30 million, forfeited five first-round picks, and saw owner Steve Ballmer suspended for one year, while Leonard was ordered to pay $700,000 in restitution before being traded to the Toronto Raptors.