ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith launched a sharp attack on President Trump Tuesday, criticizing the extensive security measures and traffic disruptions surrounding Trump’s appearance at Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden and mocking the president over videos that appeared to show him dozing off during the game.

Trump attended the highly anticipated matchup at MSG, where he was seated in a luxury suite alongside Knicks owner James Dolan. Footage that circulated on social media appeared to show the president sitting with his eyes closed during portions of the contest.

Addressing the videos on ESPN’s “First Take,” Smith ridiculed the president’s appearance and questioned why he attended the game if he was not actively watching it.

“And guess what he was doing during the game, ladies and gentlemen. Go online, look at the videos,” Smith said on ESPN’s “First Take.” “I’m not going to accuse him of snoring because I wasn’t in earshot. The brother wasn’t awake.”

Smith then compared the images to Trump’s long-running criticism of President Joe Biden, arguing that the president opened himself up to the same kind of ridicule.

He pressed on, saying that if it was so important for the president “to be there, why did you look like you were asleep? Didn’t you call out former President Joe Biden, ‘Sleepy Joe’? Well, what should we call you. Because you weren’t awake.”

The veteran broadcaster also jokingly blamed Trump for interfering with the Knicks’ pursuit of their first NBA championship since 1973, noting that the president, a lifelong New Yorker from Queens, understands how much such a title would mean to the city.

“He knows exactly what New Yorkers have been through and he didn’t care,” Smith continued.

Smith also focused on the logistical headaches caused by the presidential visit, describing widespread complaints from fans and residents who encountered road closures and heightened security around the arena.

The New York Police Department had announced enhanced security measures before the game because of Trump’s attendance.

“From 6th Avenue to 9th Avenue, you had people complaining about how hectic it was, because this barricade, this blockage, this wall that was being built by folks for the garden because of the climate that existed,” he said. “Somehow, some way, it was there to protect him.”

The remarks came one day after Trump responded to Smith during a postgame exchange with reporters. Trump was asked about Smith’s earlier joking claim that he would blame the president if the Knicks lost the game.

While describing Smith as a “nice guy,” Trump suggested the commentator lacked the intellectual credentials necessary for a presidential campaign and argued that Smith did not possess a “high IQ.”

Smith responded forcefully on Tuesday, challenging Trump’s assessment and accusing the president of avoiding a direct conversation with him.

“You wanna talk about IQ,” Smith said the following day. “I could put my IQ against yours. I got something even better — I could ask you why you been running from me for the past year since I asked you to talk to me. I could ask you to debate me since you think you’re that dude. We could go a myriad of ways.”

Despite his criticism, Smith acknowledged Trump’s earlier compliment and suggested that the president’s comments had crossed a line.

He added that he appreciated Trump calling him a “nice guy, till you tug at me a little bit, then after that I’ve got to show my other side.”

Trump also encountered a mixed reception from the Madison Square Garden crowd. During the playing of the National Anthem, some fans could be heard booing as the president appeared on arena screens.

Later, speaking with reporters, Trump brushed off the reaction and offered praise for the league despite acknowledging its political leanings.

He said he considers the NBA “a little left-wing,” but added that it remains “great entertainment.”

Meanwhile, the Knicks will have little time to dwell on their Game 3 defeat, as they are scheduled to host the Spurs once again Wednesday night in a crucial NBA Finals rematch in New York.

{Matzav.com}