Terrell Owens is not here to play nice with Stephen A. Smith. The former NFL superstar wants the ESPN personality suspended over his comments about mental health. And judging by his reaction, Owens believes an apology alone may not be enough.
Smith has built a career on saying exactly what is on his mind. Whether he is discussing sports, calling out athletes, or delivering one of his trademark fiery rants, the man rarely runs out of words. Unfortunately, not every opinion lands like a game-winning touchdown.
Terrell Owens calls for Stephen A. Smith to be suspended over his comments about mental health, accusing the ESPN host of speaking recklessly about a sensitive issue affecting millions of people
“I don’t understand how there are no consequences to Stephen A.’s actions,… pic.twitter.com/5v4GaCalwt
— Bassey (@0xBassey) October 13, 2026
This time, Owens believes Smith crossed a line.
“I don’t understand how there are no consequences to Stephen A.’s actions, especially with ESPN and Disney being the corporations they are, for him to speak so insensitively about a topic like mental health the way he did.”
“Why isn’t he suspended? For him to speak so recklessly to a guy and then try to backtrack and say he’s had mental health issues.”
“If you knew that, then you’re smart enough not to speak on something affecting millions of people, millions of people, and something that’s a very sensitive topic.”
“To feel like you have a microphone and a platform and be reckless with your words…”
“He’s never played football. Maybe his mental is not the same as a football player’s mental. His stresses or whatever he’s going through to get to where he is, sitting behind a desk getting paid by ESPN, don’t compare to what a football player has to deal with.”
Sensitive issues require care. There is a difference between challenging someone’s decision and making comments that could trivialize a serious struggle.
Owens wants ESPN to make that distinction clear.
Whether the network will take disciplinary action remains to be seen. For now, the disagreement has added another chapter to Smith’s long history of headline-making moments.
One thing is certain: this debate is bigger than sports rivalries or television ratings. It is about how public figures discuss mental health.
And if Owens has his way, Smith may discover that even the loudest voice in sports television can face consequences.
