“I'm talking to local authorities in Memphis”: Steven A Smith makes wild claim about Jimmy Butler and other NBA players' big fear

Stephen A. Smith has claimed on television that NBA players, probably Jimmy Butler, have told him they don’t feel safe while playing in Memphis. He has called out the local authorities in Memphis to “clean some of that stuff up because it's dissuasive to NBA players.

” It is not clear what exactly Smith was referring to, but social media users mentioned Ja Morant, who is known for his violent-looking gimmicks on the court.

Stephen A Smith claims NBA players told him about not feeling safe in Memphis

Stephen A. Smith was speaking on ESPN’s First Take when he took it upon himself to share a concern about Memphis. The debate was related to the presence of Ja Morant on the team.He told Marcus Morris Sr., “Listen, I know you all got to go. You're going to tell folks why.

Nobody wants to be in Memphis or you want me to do it.” Marcus responded, “No. For a player like me, I just don't think that the league... For guys like me, I love to be in Memphis. I embrace it, but you got to identify those guys, right? And it's not that simple, especially a younger guy, to identify that wants to be in Memphis.”As he failed to explain, Smith said it clearly, “The people in Memphis, (it) is a great sports town, great fans, great people.

But there's an element there where cats like Jimmy Butler and others don't feel it's the safest environment. I'm talking to the local authorities in Memphis. You got to clean some of that stuff up because it's dissuasive to NBA players. They have talked about it. I know they've told me.”

Social media reacts to Steven A Smith’s statement

The video landed on social media, and X users were quick to react to such a statement about Memphis. Sharing a Ja Morant meme, an X user wrote, “Bruh I’m sure they’d all feel unsafe playing alongside Ja Morant.” Another said, “How safe can it be with guys like Ja Morant roaming the streets.” One more commented, “That’s why Ja Morant is perfect for the city. In fact he thrives in an environment like that!”

An X user also said, “Jimmy played in Chicago at the height of drill music and Philly.

Miami ain't no slouch either. I doubt that's the reason.” Another asked, “Is he saying the city isn’t safe due to crime or was he saying the police department is unethical. I honestly have no clue but thought he was going to say it was a violence issue and never did.”A comment also read: “Javaris Crittenden went to jail after getting traded to Memphis. Was there a correlation with the city?”Also Read: We locked in forever”- Memphis Grizzlies’ Ja Morant gets emotional after his teammate Desmond Bane gets traded to Orlando MagicMemphis, the city, has been in the news for some shooting incidents. The Memphis Grizzlies recently traded guard Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic and acquired Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, and some more draft picks.