Stephen A. Smith defends Taylor Swift against the criticism of her going to Chiefs games

Stephen A. Smith has had enough of the Taylor Swift criticism. 

The well-known sports personality came to the defense of the pop icon during Wednesday’s episode of ESPN’s “First Take” after fellow panelist  Chris “Mad Dog” Russo included Travis Kelece’s name on a list of players under pressure to win the Super Bowl this year. 

Smith disputed Kelce’s name being part of that group, and he thought the tight end’s inclusion was more to do with his relationship with Swift than his actual play on the field.

Russo has been irritated by the coverage Swift has gotten when she’s attended games to support Kelce and the Chiefs.

Smith gave a strong rebuke to those who have criticized Swift for supporting Kelce. 

“I have to take a moment to come to the defense of Taylor Swift,” Smith said. “Everybody’s sitting up there and acting like she’s some kind of impediment and, excuse me, she did her job! That Eras Tour? Off the chain. Generated billions.”

Smith also shot back at the people — including Russo — who have been critical of her for attending games at Arrowhead Stadium and other NFL venues, including MetLife Stadium. 

“She’s going to support her dude,” Smith continued. “To show up at a football game and the cameras are on her, that ain’t her fault! And excuse me, by the way, she went to the games after the concerts. It’s not like she used the games to bump up the concerts. Oh no! Those kids were going to her concerts whether the NFL was promoting her or not! Taylor Swift is that girl. Let’s show some respect. She probably is gonna have a positive impact on Travis Kelce’s performance, OK? I’m not trying to disrespect Taylor Swift.”

Swift’s appearances at games have been headline-making news since the NFL star and the celebrity were first linked in September. 

The pair’s relationship has been an ongoing storyline blending the worlds of sports and pop culture, which hasn’t made everyone happy. 

The NFL and its broadcast partners have been criticized by some for showing during broadcasts too much, which comedian Jo Koy used as the basis for a joke that fell flat during his opening monologue at Sunday’s Golden Globes. 

Swift addressed the complaints about her being shown on camera too much during NFL broadcasts in a Time interview last month. 

“I’m just there to support Travis,” Swift said in the interview. “I have no awareness of if I’m being shown too much and pissing off a few dads, Brads, and Chads.”