Shannon Sharpe Shocks Stephen A. Smith By Calling LeBron James Selfish

LeBron James announced that he will not play in Sunday’s All-Star Game due to ankle and foot discomfort. And James only told everyone about it during his pre-game media availability. Though players miss the All-Star game because of injury all the time, usually the league brings in a replacement to play in that player’s place. But no one knew about this injury until about an hour before the game tipped off. During the newest episode of First Take, NFL star Shannon Sharpe called James selfish and shocked host Stephen A Smith.

NFL Star Shannon Sharpe Leaves Co-Host Stunned as He Slams LeBron James’ All-Star Decision

Fans have questioned why the league did not know about LeBron’s unavailability before. The Lakers haven’t played a game since February 12, and even a couple of days' notice would have given the league a chance to find a replacement.

During the episode of First Take, Sharpe shared that he was ‘disappointed with LeBron’. “I just don’t get it. Because Norman Powell was deserving, guys y’all can correct me if I’m wrong. He earned the right to be there if LeBron wasn’t going to play. What was the purpose of him just showing up in street clothes if you’re not going to play?” Sharpe remarked as Smith was seen shaking his head in disbelief and clutching his hand on his heart.



Sharpe’s comments may come across as surprising as he is known as a LeBron loyalist and he has often defended LeBron on panel shows. LeBron also shares a deep friendship with Sharpe and has often shared his appreciation for the sports presenter.

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Sharpe pointed out that if he knew he would not play he should have given someone the opportunity to fill that spot. “He could have done exactly what Giannis (Antetokounmpo) did. Show up, put the uniform on. ‘Im here to support you guys but I’m not going to play.’ The mere fact that he got on a flight and had to fly, he’s talking about his ankle and foot discomfort… the swelling goes up when you’re up in the air. I did not agree with LeBron’s decision.”



“LeBron in this situation was selfish, he knew he wasn’t going to play. And then instead of telling Adam Silver I’m not going to play and allowing him to name a replacement, even if its not Norman. Eventhough I think he has earned that right considering how well he has played. That’s what should have happened for me,” Sharpe added.

Smith joked about how proud he was of Sharpe’s assessment of the situation and also agreed with his decision. “I’m just so proud of my boy Shannon Sharpe. I know he had a lot in him, but I didn’t know he had that in him. Selfish? LeBron? Oh, my lord! I just have to pause for my man, Shannon Sharpe. I didn’t know he could do it! You’re damn right LeBron was selfish, you’re damn right he was!”