NEW YORK — ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith has formally requested an instant replay review of an argument he lost in 2018, claiming new evidence could overturn the original decision and restore his reputation as someone who has never been wrong.
“I've been thinking about this for eight years,” Smith reportedly announced during a fictional emergency broadcast. “And I am here to tell you, ladies and gentlemen, the call on the floor was INCORRECT.”
The original disagreement reportedly concerned whether an unnamed NBA player had “that dog in him,” a classification that remains undefined under current league regulations.
Smith insists his opponent committed a debating violation by introducing reasonable evidence after Smith had already raised his voice.
A newly established Debate Replay Center has begun examining the original footage from seven camera angles, reviewing the precise moment Smith pointed across the desk and declared his argument finished.
Officials must determine whether shouting constitutes possession of the conversation and whether interrupting another analyst was considered a legal defensive maneuver in 2018.
The review has encountered complications because Smith has submitted 43 minutes of additional testimony, including an opening statement, three rebuttals, and a personal history of being underestimated.
ESPN executives reportedly offered to declare the argument a draw.
Smith rejected the proposal as disrespectful.
After six hours, officials announced there was insufficient evidence to overturn the original ruling.
Smith immediately challenged the review.
At press time, the Debate Replay Center had determined that the argument was still technically ongoing, primarily because Stephen A. Smith had not stopped talking.
