Stephen A Smith discusses nepo babies and meritocracy in professional sports on 'Real Time with Bill Maher'

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: During his recent appearance on 'Real Time with Bill Maher', sports commentator Stephen A Smith delved into the complex and controversial topics of nepotism and meritocracy, particularly within the realm of professional sports.

Smith, known for his candid and unfiltered opinions, expressed his skepticism towards various institutions, emphasizing that sports remain one of the few where trust is unwavering.

Stephen A Smith believes nepotism isn't rampant in sports as the public tends to shun bad performers

Maher kicked off the conversation, asserting, "I think why I love sports...It's like... I did a whole thing at the show once. It's the last institution I can trust. Like, I don't trust anything. I don't trust the media. I don't trust the government."

Smith interjected him, saying, "I don't blame you." 

"There are nepo babies everywhere, even modeling now. It's all the children of...okay...politics, show business. There are no nepo babies in sports. Brony James, everybody wants to see him play with his father, but he will not get on that team until he absolutely earns it," continued Maher. 

The late-night host affirmed, "I have total trust that the 600 people who play in baseball, whatever it is, 400-500 in basketball, are the best in the world."

Subsequently, Smith noted, "You're right. You're right about it if you're talking about the athletes. There are certainly nepo babies in a front office, there's nepo baby coaching staff—make no mistake about that in the world of sports." 

He continued, "But not when it comes to the athletes. Here's the reason why. When you're performing on a public platform, you don't get to suck, and the audience is going to ignore you. You're not getting away, and they won't let you."

Smith highlighted the rare instances, such as the Antetokounmpo brothers, where a sibling might be on the same team, but one of them still struggles to secure playing time due to the rigorous standards athletes must meet.

Stephen A Smith talks about Bronny James' potential as an NBA player

Talking about Bronny James, the son of NBA legend LeBron James, Smith noted, "I think that kid can play. I think he's got potential. Is he there yet? No. But I think he has got the potential to be there." 

He added, "But LeBron James went front and center from day one and said, 'I want to play in the NBA with my son, and because LeBron James is still a lead, averaging nearly 25 a game at the age of 39 on his 21st season in professional basketball."

Smith further remarked, "He's such a moneymaker. The thought of LeBron James coming into any franchise, even if it's just for a year, you're thinking about the financial windfall from all that, and if LeBron comes there and all we got to do is get Bronny James."

"You never know who might decide to do that, but in the end, if Bronny James makes it to the NBA and he ultimately survives in the NBA, it will be because he can play, not because of his dad," opined the sports commentator. 

He concluded, "So you're absolutely right. The nepo babies that you're talking about...that doesn't happen in professional sports. The public won't let you get away with it."

Internet reacts to Stephen A Smith's comments about nepotism and sports

Soon after Maher and Smith's conversation was uploaded on YouTube, viewers of the late-night show filled the comment section with their thoughts regarding the topic. 

One said, "Lance Stroll in Formula 1 is the best example of a sports nepo baby," while another joked, "Stephen once made 17 shots in a row to secure a college scholarship."

"Stephen A is great at his job. He's a professional 'hater,' but that's the job," remarked a person, and someone else noted, "Nothing is 100% a meritocracy - but sports is the closest thing we got."

A viewer expressed, "I called bulls**t. Bronny James will be on an NBA team and he would never make it even for one game if it wasn't for LeBron."

One more mentioned, "In case anyone brings up nepo babies in sports, keep in mind that they might get the same training, but it's their performance on the court, field, pool, etc. that matters most. You can sell based off of a name, but only if you're good." 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.