Stephen A Smith asks Trump not to attend NBA Finals at MSG: ‘I don’t want him there’

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Stephen A Smith has urged President Donald Trump to avoid attending Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden, bluntly stating, "He's coming to Game 3 of the Finals, and I don't want him there." 

While Smith has expressed concerns regarding the potential for massive crowds and logistical difficulties in New York City, Trump confirmed earlier on Thursday that he plans to attend the match after receiving an invitation from Knicks owner James Dolan. 

Smith clarifies position on Trump's attendance at the Garden

Stephen A Smith made his stance clear on his radio show, while discussing the upcoming Knicks-Spurs game, emphasizing that his objection is rooted in logistical concerns rather than political affiliation.

He clarified that his request was not intended as a political statement, noting, "It has nothing to do with politics, policy, or anything like that. It has everything to do with him disrupting and contributing at the same time to the chaos that's going to exist at Madison Square Garden. If it were Barack Obama coming to the Garden, I would say, 'Stay home.' Stay at the White House."

Smith says Monday’s historic game will be chaotic

It is to be noted that the upcoming game on Monday marks a historic moment for the Knicks, as the team prepares to host an NBA Finals game for the first time in 27 years. 

Smith expressed concern regarding the magnitude of the event, predicting an environment unlike any he has witnessed during his long career. 

"You don't understand what Monday is going to be like in New York City," Smith remarked, warning listeners about the extreme congestion expected throughout the city.

"The subways will never be more packed. Don't drive your cars in Midtown. It will be a parking lot. There is nothing short of madness that is coming the way of everybody come Monday. You don't understand. I have been covering sports for over 30 years."

"And I'm telling you right now, come Monday, for Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden, I expect to see an environment I have never seen in my entire career covering sports," he added.

Commissioner Silver welcomes president’s visit

While Smith remains firm in his belief that the President should stay away, the logistics seem unlikely to change. 

Meanwhile, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver welcomed the prospect of a high-profile visit.

"We're seeing that in New York, and I think President Trump is very much a New Yorker, and I'm thrilled that yet another New Yorker wants to participate in the enthusiasm and the joy around this Knicks team," Silver stated regarding the upcoming attendance.