Max Kellerman seemed to do just fine in boxing, because he was highly educated about the nuances of the sport and its history. Jim Lampley, while he has his detractors, was a fair and balanced broadcaster for the most part, and highly respected within the industry.
The problem isn't that Stephen A is an outsider. The problem is that he obviously doesn't know enough about this sport, or put in the time and effort to learn about it to be calling a guy like Cowboy Cerrone a quitter.
People will make the counter argument of "oh hurr durr everyone on here was saying it, why can't he?" We're a goddamn forum, a small blip on the radar in the grand scheme of things. No one listens to us.
Stephen A. Smith is a world renowned sports personality who millions and millions of people listen to, and within one nights he turned Cowboy Cerrone into a joke. A man who has dedicated nearly his entire life to this sport. A sport that Stephen A. Smith doesn't have a bonafide interest in, much less the credibility to cover in a serious manner.
That's what I take issue with. His strong stances, without considering all variables, while not being, as he put it, an affectanado of the sport.
Mike Goldberg was absolutely horrible and didn't know and understand the intricacies of the sport, but he NEVER publicly disrespected a fighter on air.
Just my two cents, and what I think most hardcores take issue with.
