Stephen A. Smith Rips Patrick Beverley, Predicts Strong Punishment From NBA

"A suspension? You can book it," Smith said on Friday.

Jul 11, 2021; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; ESPN reporter Stephen A. Smith prior to the Phoenix Suns / Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Stephen A. Smith ripped Milwaukee Bucks guard Patrick Beverley's behavior with ESPN producer Malinda Adams during postgame media availability in the wake of the Bucks' season-ending 120-98 loss to the Indiana Pacers.

Beverley asked Adams if she subscribed to his podcast when she asked him a question during the locker room media scrum. After she admitted she did not subscribe to his podcast, he asked her to remove her microphone and leave the circle of reporters.

Smith believes a big fine could be coming for Beverley's unwarranted actions.

"I can't believe he did that. I just can't believe he did that," Smith began. "I've known Patrick Beverley for years. I love the brother. It's inexcusable. It's indefensible. When he threw the ball into the stands, he didn't mean to throw it at the woman. He meant to throw it at the guy... but he should have never thrown it the first time... And then to go into the locker room thereafter and to address a female reporter. I'm quite sure there are male reporters in the locker room who don't necessarily subscribe to Pat Beverley's podcast. Did you ask them whether they are subscribers to your podcast? Did you refuse to talk to them?

"It's indefensible. I love Pat Bev. I cannot defend it, not one bit. It is an incredibly bad look. A suspension? You can book it... The punishment is forthcoming and I suspect a severe one."

Stephen A. Smith takes issue with Patrick Beverley's behavior on Thursday night.

"I just can't believe he did that. I've known Patrick Beverley for years. I love the brother. It's inexcusable. It's indefensible... the punishment is forthcoming and I suspect a severe one." pic.twitter.com/BVnj6CW0BO

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) May 3, 2024

Beverley reportedly called Adams to apologize on Friday morning, and it's apparent that he is in some hot water with the NBA. Time will tell just how severe the punishment is for Beverley for his off-court antics on Thursday night.