The reception to Kendrick Lamar's powerful, Drake-skewering Super Bowl LIX halftime performance has been largely positive. But ESPN's Stephen A. Smith had a bone to pick with one aspect of the 15-minute set; particularly Serena Williams' involvement.
The former pro tennis player came out onstage while Lamar performed the Drake diss track "Not Like Us," adding insult to injury for the Canadian musician, whom Williams allegedly dated in 2011. Williams wed Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian in 2017, however it seems as though Drake had trouble getting over the relationship, as he referred to Ohanian as a "groupie" on his 2022 track, "Middle of the Ocean."
The comeuppance must have felt great to Williams, but Smith didn't see it that way. While discussing the stunt during Monday's episode of First Take, the television sports personality did not mince words.
"If I'm married and my wife is going to join trolling her ex, go back to his ass," Smith said. "'Cause clearly you don't belong with me. What you worried about him for and you're with me? Bye. Bye."
Stephen A. Smith on Serena Williams' cameo during the Super Bowl halftime show: "If I'm married and my wife is going to join trolling her ex, go back to his ass. 'Cause clearly you don't belong with me. What you worried about him for and you're with me? Bye. Bye." pic.twitter.com/uiYI2ltK4k
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) February 10, 2025
It was pointed out to Smith that anyone married to Williams is going to be a "kept man, anyway," but he was still not having it.
But while he may not have been impressed by the act of revenge, the 57-year-old did praise Lamar for his performance after the game.
"OMG ... OMG ... [Kendrick Lamar] did it," Smith gushed. "Not only did he rock the beat of 'Not Like Us' ... show. The brother showed out."
OMG…..OMG……@kendricklamar did it. Not only did he rock the beat of “Not Like Is”……he sang the lyrics. He did it. Mentioned “Drake” by name too. Awwwww Damn! Helluva halftime show. The brother showed out.#Salute!
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) February 10, 2025
In either case, it seems unlikely that Williams or her husband will take the criticism to heart, as her display was one of the most talked-about moments of the night.
from Men's Journal https://ift.tt/wqgByCT
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