Stephen A. Smith, ESPN’s liberal television and radio host, voiced his frustration with the NFL’s response to players performing the “Trump Dance” during recent games. The dance, often seen at President Donald Trump’s rallies, involves shimmies to the Village People’s hit song “Y.M.C.A.,” and has become a viral trend among certain NFL players this season.

Smith, the co-host of First Take and host of his radio show, expressed his anger at the NFL for issuing a statement regarding players’ celebratory dances. Smith said, “They’ve got a right to support who the hell they want without the league needing to respond.”

Stephen A Smith on point 100% wtf is the NFL trying to ban the so called “ Trump dance “ NFL since when do you NOT support the President elect ?? This is freaking America stand with your leader no matter who you voted for !! AMERICA made it LOUD & CLEAR , We needed a change we… https://t.co/HEL5OSwngS

— JOHN BOLARIS (@JohnBolaris) November 24, 2024

The controversy centers on players like San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa, Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers, Tennessee Titans wide receiver Calvin Ridley, and Detroit Lions defensive end Za’Darius Smith, who performed the dance after big plays. Bosa, an outspoken Trump supporter, was previously fined $11,255 for wearing a MAGA hat during a postgame interview, which violated NFL rules that restrict players from displaying personal political messages.

Despite this, NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy clarified that celebratory dances, such as those performed by players following big plays, would not be penalized. The issue, however, came when Bosa’s public display led to a fine. McCarthy also noted that the broadcast networks were free to cover the dance as they saw fit.

Stephen A. Smith Defends NFL Players Doing Trump Dance https://t.co/EAfYCkvIl7

— Michael McCarthy (@MMcCarthyREV) November 24, 2024

Smith, who revealed that he did not vote for Trump, still criticized the NFL’s overreaction. He compared the NFL’s handling of the dance to UFC President Dana White’s approach, saying White would never address something like this because he supports who he wants without apology. “Dana White wouldn’t entertain it because he doesn’t play that nonsense,” Smith stated. “He’s going to support who he’s going to support.”

Smith went on to express his belief that Trump’s success, and the current cultural climate, are the results of years of societal tension, with “woke culture” and “cancel culture” creating a divisive atmosphere. “People are walking around wondering whether or not they’re echoing the right pronoun,” he said, referencing how fear of expressing differing opinions has become common. Smith argued that the need for the NFL to weigh in on something as trivial as a celebratory dance only adds to the anxiety many Americans feel in a culture that is overly sensitive to political correctness.

Smith concluded by suggesting that the current climate is part of why Donald Trump won the presidency in 2016, and why he will be inaugurated again in 2025. “Because of that, I believe is a big reason why Donald Trump on Jan. 20 will be inaugurated as the 47th president of the United States of America,” Smith stated.