Debates about the “GOAT” in sports have been exhaustively analyzed on shows like First Take. Even if some find the topic tiresome, it’s unlikely to fade away anytime soon, especially with Stephen A. Smith leading the conversation. While many athletes see it as an honor to be compared to legends, others feel slighted when media figures discuss modern players in a negative light compared to past icons.
On a recent episode of First Take, Stephen A. used comparisons of U.S. Presidents to illustrate that such discussions are common in various fields. He stated, “Bringing up Presidents from the 1800s, the 19th century, the 20th century, comparing this guy to that guy, and what have you, happens all the time. It’s a litmus test for greatness that defines who measures up.” He emphasized that rather than feeling insulted, athletes should appreciate being part of the conversation, as it signifies their significance in sports history. “You are that special compared to 99.99% of the world. That, to me, there is nothing wrong with that,” he added. “It’s just that society has learned to monetize it for clickbait purposes.”
Stephen A. Smith and Marcus Spears on First Take discussing why debates across eras in sports shouldn’t be seen in a negative light. pic.twitter.com/ZEpAR5KY0J
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Marcus Spears also supported the idea of cross-era debates, noting that fans are not actually tired of the “GOAT” discussions. He asserted, “As much as we talk about LeBron and Michael Jordan, it gets the most likes and clicks anytime. People say they’re tired of it because it’s popular to join the conversation, but they aren’t truly fatigued. It generates the most views.”
However, what Smith and Spears might overlook is that the disapproval some have for the “GOAT” debate isn’t necessarily about comparing players from different eras but stems from its overexposure, particularly whenthe topic seems misplaced.
Furthermore, Stephen A. Smith is known for constantly shifting the criteria in the “GOAT” debate. Based on his recent remarks, it’s clear that “GOAT” discussions will persist, forcing current players to grapple with nostalgia for those preceding them—a challenge that ultimately comes down to subjective preference.
