In a recent controversy, Stephen A. Smith and Jonathan Papelbon were at odds after Papelbon accused Smith of racism and claimed that Smith had been kicked out of the Phillies clubhouse. Smith strongly denied these allegations and even threatened legal action against Papelbon for spreading lies. The conflict between the two began when Smith criticized Mike Trout’s injury history in a non-contact sport, leading Papelbon to publicly denounce Smith on the show Foul Territory. Smith defended himself against the accusations of racism, pointing out that he has experienced real racism as a black man. He called out Papelbon for his irresponsible and desperate statements, urging him to act like a grown-up and take responsibility for his words.