Donald Trump had a fiery response to Stephen A. Smith when he said that it would be Trump’s fault if the New York Knicks lost to the San Antonio Spurs in Game 3 of the NBA Finals.
After the game, which the Knicks did lose. Trump was asked about the sports commentator’s remark by a reporter, who also reminded Trump that Smith has floated the idea of running for president.
“I think he's a nice guy,” Trump said. “But you need a certain aptitude to run for president. You need a high IQ. I'm not sure that Stephen has that. I don't think he does, actually.”
Elsewhere in the clip, Trump said that his attendance at Monday night’s Game 3 was met with “mostly cheers.” He added, “It was loud, and it was very enthusiastic.”
In actuality, Trump’s appearance at Madison Square Garden prompted a chorus of boos after he was shown on the arena’s Jumbotron during the national anthem.
Earlier on Monday, Smith shared on his podcast that he didn’t support Trump going to the game.
“This is about an individual engaging in a level of narcissism that really rakes my freakin’ nerves,” he said, per The Independent. “He’s got no business here tonight. It has nothing to do with politics. It was everything to do with the ferver that exists around the New York Knicks, and he is disrupting everything the Knicks have been vibing with.”
Smith has been discussing a potential presidential run for years. However, in March, he confirmed that he won’t entertain the idea, mostly because he doesn’t want to give up his career as one of sports media’s most recognizable voices.
“I ain’t giving up my money,” he said on Hang Out with Sean Hannity. “Let me put the presidential aspirations to bed. If I have to give up my money, it’s not happening.”
The Spurs won Game 3 115-111. The Knicks still lead the series 2-1, with Game 4 set for Wednesday night at MSG.
