Stephen A. Smith Defends Solitaire Play During NBA Finals Game 4

Stephen A. Smith faced criticism after being caught playing Solitaire on his phone during live action in Game 4 of the 2025 NBA Finals between the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder. While Smith initially claimed he was playing during a timeout, fan footage disproved this, showing him playing during live play. Smith responded defiantly in a SiriusXM NBA Radio interview, stating he was taking a brief break and telling critics to "kiss my a**," emphasizing his demanding schedule that includes watching over 100 games a year and various TV obligations. He insisted that he multitasks and pays attention to the game, using Solitaire as a way to relax briefly during dead ball moments. Despite the backlash, Smith remained unapologetic, highlighting that he always plays Solitaire during breaks, including halftime and before and after games. The incident sparked widespread social media discussion about his professionalism and attention during broadcasts, but Smith dismissed the criticism and stood by his actions.