Jason Whitlock did not mince his words while criticizing ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith. The “First Take” host had come forward in a passionate plea to defend journalist Don Lemon, who was arrested on Friday.

According to Whitlock, Stephen A. Smith is just playing the race card to gain some traction on the situation.

“Peaceful religious assembly is guaranteed in the First Amendment. Stephen A claims a Christian faith. But he evaluates nothing through a biblical lens. He evaluates the world through financial, political, racial lenses. Disney pays him to troll white people worshipping Jesus,” Whitlock tweeted.

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Don Lemon was arrested over a week after he had covered a group of anti-ICE protestors interrupting a church service in Minnesota. The journalist allegedly conspired to violate constitutional rights and had also allegedly violated the FACE Act.

In the video he shared on social media, Stephen A. Smith called Don Lemon’s arrest unjust and claimed that it violated the First Amendment.

“Whether you like it or not, Don Lemon is a member of the press. Don Lemon has been in journalism for 30 years. … And just because you don’t have a specific organization that you’re working for, that’s where the word independence comes from,” Smith said. “It doesn’t mean that your journalism credentials are stripped.

“This is straight B.S. what he’s going through. I’m a member of the press too. And ain’t no way in hell anybody in the field of journalism shouldn’t be supporting Don Lemon today, and that’s including anyone on the right. … You support this, you don’t support the First Amendment. You don’t support freedom of the press.”

Stephen A. Smith questions Eagles decision to hire Sean Mannion as new offensive coordinator

After a disastrous season under Kevin Patullo, the Eagles finalized Sean Mannion as the team’s new offensive coordinator. During the 2025 season, he served as the quarterbacks coach of the Green Bay Packers.

However, Stephen A. Smith had his doubts about this hire. On Thursday’s episode of ESPN’s “First Take,” he expressed his thoughts on the situation.

“First of all, congratulations to Sean Mannion,” Smith said. “It’s not because of anything pertaining to his capability. … The issue is not him, it’s the Eagles. They have fired the last two people they have plucked from nowhere to be first-year offensive coordinators.

“If you are the Philadelphia Eagles, why did you do that? Why is that the way to go? Why couldn’t you go and get somebody more experienced?”

The Eagles had defeated the Chiefs to win Super Bowl LIX. However, this season, they lost to the 49ers in a wild-card playoff showdown. Under Kevin Patullo as the offensive coordinator, they ranked No. 24 in total offense, averaging 311.2 yards and 46 touchdowns.