Stephen A. Smith Criticizes Tony Dungy for Taylor Swift Complaints

The ESPN personality disagreed with the Pro Football Hall of Famer’s take about the pop superstar.

ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith isn’t shying away from his adoration of pop star Taylor Swift.

In addition to her musical talents, the 34-year-old singer and songwriter captured the attention of thousands of NFL fans during the 2023 regular season when she began dating Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce and regularly attending Chiefs games.

Although numbers have pointed to increased ratings for the NFL this season, former NFL coach and NBC analyst Tony Dungy believes the musical celebrity has taken the focus of the sport away from “what really happens on the field.” Smith, however, disagrees with Dungy and believes the Pro Football Hall of Famer should stop criticizing the musical celebrity for living her life.

“It’s getting ridiculous how she’s [Taylor Swift] being criticized by some, insulted by others, blamed by many,” Smith said Tuesday on The Stephen A. Smith Show. “ … In the case on Tony Dungy, it’s like come on man, can we stop this sir? Love Tony Dungy. … But you’re blaming Taylor Swift for disinterest in NFL action? What are we talking about? Let her live her life.”

Can we stop complaining about Taylor Swift, please?! pic.twitter.com/vDGAfcoWxm

— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) January 16, 2024

Smith, who has previously attended one of Swift’s concerts, rarely disagrees with Dungy. However, when it comes to the celebrity, Smith believes Swift is good for the game of football.