Stephen A Smith refuses to call golfers, NASCAR drivers athletes: ‘That don’t count’

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Stephen A.Smithmight marvel at the skills of golfers and NASCAR drivers, but he praises them with caution.

Smith said the professionals are “elite at what they do,” but he is drawing a line when describing them.

On his SiriusXM show, while debating some of the greatest athletes of all time, a caller suggestedNASCARlegend Richard Petty, and Smith launched into a rant.

Stephen A. Smith standing on the field during warmups at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Stephen A.Smith during warmups before a game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, Nov.3, 2025.(Perry Knotts/Getty Images)

“Come on, man.That don’t count.You driving a car!” Smith began, viaAwful Announcing.“I’m being honest.It’s a great sport.But come on, bro.Getting behind the wheel of a car is not the same.

“You can be behind the wheel of a car in your 60s and 70s for crying out loud.”

Smith also insinuated that “just because you gotta walk the course for 18 holes for four days, that don’t make you an athlete.”

Host Stephen A. Smith speaking with Sen. Ted Cruz at SiriusXM Studio in Washington D.C.

Host Stephen A.Smith speaks with Sen.Ted Cruz at a SiriusXM Town Hall event at SiriusXM Studio in Washington, D.C., Nov.19, 2025.(Paul Morigi/Getty Images for SiriusXM)

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“They’re skilled players, they’re elite at what they do.But athletes?Athletes?Are you kidding me?Is walking the latest sport that you want to turn into anOlympicsport?Because I guess that would make them athletic, right?” Smith continued.

“Because they can walk.If you’re out there doing stuff that grandmas and grandpas can do, I’m not gonna look at you that way.You’re skilled, you’re phenomenally skilled as a golfer … but that is not an athletic sport.”

Stephen A. Smith standing at Allegiant Stadium during WrestleMania 42 Night 1

Stephen A.Smith attends WrestleMania 42: Night 1 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas April 18, 2026.(Andrew Timms/WWE)

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Smith, though, did make an exception for 15-time major championTiger Woods — notnecessarily due to his golf skills, but because of his build and athleticism in general.

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