Stephen A. Smith calls out 'patently false' NBA Finals national anthem controversy

Stephen A. Smith calls out 'patently false' NBA Finals national anthem controversy originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

>The NBA Finals bring plenty of theatrics to get fans excited for the grandest stage in professional basketball.

>From the Larry O'Brien Trophy making a return to the court in 2026, to ESPN/ABC broadcasting lineup introductions, helping fans feel the consequences of the massive games, there's plenty of details that go into making the Finals feel exciting. For Wednesday's Game 1 between the Knicks and Spurs, national anthem singer Tori Kelly turned in an excellent rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner."

>However, after some fans online criticized Spurs players for how they handled themselves during the national anthem, one notable figure responded to defend the players: Stephen A. Smith.

>Here's what Smith had to say about any national anthem controversy in Finals Game 1.

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Stephen A. Smith calls out NBA Finals national anthem controversySmith is not shy to share his opinion on virtually any hot topic at this point, whether it relates to sports or not — especially as he's flirted with the idea of running for president in recent years.

>On Thursday afternoon, he took notice of a viral X post that criticized some Spurs players for not putting their hands over their hearts during the national anthem prior to Finals Game 1.

>Smith defended those players, denying that there should even be any controversy at all.

>"This is patently false. There are plenty of people who listen to the Nat’l Anthem and simply bow their heads with their hands in front of them or behind their backs and pay respects," Smith wrote. "Holding your hand over your heart is not a requirement. The Spurs were not being disrespectful in anyway. Who is anyone to say they were just over that gesture? That is utterly ridiculous!!!"

This is patently false. There are plenty of people who listen to the Nat’l Anthem and simply bow their heads with their hands in front of them or behind their backs and pay respects. Holding your hand over your heart is not a requirement. The Spurs were not being disrespectful in… https://t.co/zGVOTHKNlR

— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) June 4, 2026MORE: Why NBA is investigating incident with Jalen Brunson and Spurs fans

What was the NBA Finals national anthem controversy?On Wednesday night, a post on X went viral — gaining over three million views as of Thursday — that took issue with a few Spurs players choosing to stand with their hands at their sides, or behind them, during the national anthem rather than putting one over their hearts.

>"Only 2 players covered their hearts. Take note of which ones!" the post said.

>The post drew nearly 6,000 replies and over 3,000 reposts as of Thursday as well, with plenty of people chiming in on their thoughts, including defending the players as Smith did.

Spurs players REFUSE to put their hands over their hearts for the national anthem!

They are making millions of dollars to play a child’s game and still feel oppressed somehow…

Only 2 players covered their hearts. Take note of which ones! pic.twitter.com/YHObppPNkE

— Matt Wallace (@MattWallace888) June 4, 2026