Full Breakdown
Stephen A. Smith's Controversial Stance on Golfers and NASCAR Drivers as Athletes
4/22/2026, 2:23:21 AM
Dismissal of Athletic Status
Stephen A. Smith, a prominent sports commentator, has sparked debate by asserting that professional golfers and NASCAR drivers do not qualify as athletes. During a recent segment on his SiriusXM show, Smith responded to a caller's suggestion of NASCAR legend Richard Petty as one of the greatest athletes, stating, “Come on, man. That don’t count. You driving a car!” He emphasized that while he respects the skills of these professionals, the physical demands of their sports do not meet his criteria for athleticism.
Defining Athleticism
Smith's argument hinges on the idea that true athletes must engage in activities that require significant physical exertion and cannot be performed by individuals in their 60s or 70s. He stated, “You can be behind the wheel of a car in your 60s and 70s for crying out loud. A golfer is not an athlete. A NASCAR driver is not an athlete.” He further questioned whether walking a golf course for four days qualifies as an athletic endeavor, dismissing it as something that “grandmas and grandpas can do.”
Criticism of Smith's Viewpoint
Critics of Smith's stance point out that his definition of athleticism is overly restrictive. They argue that many sports, including baseball and basketball, can also be played by older individuals, yet those athletes are still widely recognized as such. Furthermore, the physical demands of NASCAR driving, which includes enduring extreme heat and managing G-forces at high speeds, challenge Smith's assertion that these drivers lack athleticism.
The Tiger Woods Exception
While Smith categorically dismissed most golfers and NASCAR drivers, he made an exception for Tiger Woods, suggesting that Woods' physical fitness might qualify him as an athlete, rather than his golfing prowess. This nuanced view indicates that Smith's criteria for athleticism may be more about physical conditioning than the sport itself.
Broader Implications of the Debate
Smith's comments have reignited a long-standing debate about what constitutes an athlete. His perspective separates elite skill from what he considers true athletic performance, a view that contrasts with the broader acceptance of various sports as athletic endeavors. As discussions around athleticism continue, Smith's remarks highlight the ongoing divide in how different sports are perceived in terms of physical demand and skill.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Come on, man. That don’t count. You driving a car!” — Stephen A. Smith, Sports Commentator
- “You can be behind the wheel of a car in your 60s and 70s for crying out loud. A golfer is not an athlete. A NASCAR driver is not an athlete,” — Stephen A. Smith
- “They’re skilled players, they’re elite at what they do. But athletes? Athletes? Are you kidding me?” — Stephen A. Smith
Conclusion
Stephen A. Smith's dismissal of golfers and NASCAR drivers as athletes has sparked significant discussion about the definitions of athleticism in sports. While he acknowledges the skill involved in these professions, his criteria for what constitutes an athlete remain contentious, suggesting that this debate is far from over.
