Stephen A. Smith is too popular to sit in the stands with fans

Stephen A. Smith joked about his popularity while explaining why he prefers to watch games from the tunnel rather than sitting among spectators.

“I was standing in the tunnel because that’s what I like to do…”

Smith then pointed to his public profile as a reason why sitting in the crowd can be challenging.

“Obviously, you know I’m a popular dude, so it’s difficult to sit in the stands.”

Stephen A. Smith says he’s too popular to sit in the stands with fans

“I was standing in the tunnel because that’s what I like to do… Obviously, you know I’m a popular dude, so it’s difficult to sit in the stands.”

(h/t @TheNBABase ) pic.twitter.com/eqfeIp59cq

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 4, 2026