Bernie Lee, Stephen A. Smith and Ben Simmons (Image Source: Getty Images)
Stephen A. Smith is widely regarded for his uncensored opinions on live TV. Recently, he made another one to add to his growing list of controversial takes, which did not sit well with Jimmy Butler’s agent.
The issue started when the analyst blasted Ben Simmons for his choice of rehab location in Miami. On top of it, he also claimed that the Nets star should be in prison for theft, a not-so-subtle jab at Simmons’ lack of time on the court contrasting his $177,243,360 contract. “Lucky he’s not in prison for theft,” were the exact words uttered by SAS during a recent episode of The OGs Show.
1/2 Yesterday, Stephen A Smith said on @theOGsShow that Ben Simmons is “lucky he’s not in prison for theft” and his choice of Miami as a rehab site showed he doesn’t love the game.
https://t.co/57xWO6kUZP— NetsDaily (@NetsDaily) July 14, 2024
Incidentally, Simmons shares the same agent with Jimmy Butler. Bernie Lee, the man in question, responded to Stephen A.’s claims and clarified exactly what he thinks of the analyst. “Quite Frankly.. I think Stephen A is an idiot and I only wish he still had he’s TV show so I could sit in his audience and voice my opinion to him while he attempted to do his job…alas.. it got cancelled,” Butler’s agent told Nets Daily.
2/2. So we asked Bernie Lee, Simmons agent, for comment. His response:
“Quite Frankly.. I think Stephen A is an idiot and I only wish he still had he’s TV show so I could sit in his audience and voice my opinion to him while he attempted to do his job…alas.. it got canceled…”— NetsDaily (@NetsDaily) July 14, 2024
Simmons has only played 57 games in the past two seasons as injury issues keep stagnating his career. In the offseason, he’s targeting a return to full fitness with a personal camp in Miami.
However, his agency partner, Jimmy Butler, is yet to start his offseason prep. The Heat forward instead opted for a tour to Europe.
Jimmy Butler is spending the offseason chilling in Germany
After an injury-hit post-season, Jimmy Butler’s future in Miami came under increased scrutiny. With trade rumors still going around, the 6-time All-Star, Butler, opted for a change in scenery and embarked on a tour to Germany.
Butler took to social media to post pictures and videos on his IG stories. His destination was Berlin to watch the 2024 Euro Cup action live. He did so, alongside F1 star Lando Norris, after witnessing Carlos Alcaraz’s Wimbledon win.
Jimmy Butler’s reaction to Carlos Alcaraz winning his 2nd Wimbledon title
“2 in a row Carlitos. VAMOOOOSSSSS! Hell yeah. We talked about this” 😂
pic.twitter.com/ILMxYQ4jNu— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) July 14, 2024
With his contract talks at a stalemate, Jimmy Butler might leave the Miami Heat once he enters the final year of his $146 million contract. But for now, Jimmy focuses on completing his side quests before heading home to prepare for next season.
