ESPN personality says Cleveland quarterback invited unnecessary scrutiny
Stephen A. Smith Fires Shots at Dillon Gabriel Following "Entertainers and Competitors" Quote originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Stephen A. Smith is not holding back on Dillon Gabriel.
The Cleveland Browns quarterback sparked conversation Saturday when he said, "There's entertainers and there's competitors, and I totally understand that. My job is to compete, and that's what I'm focused on doing," during a preseason matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles.
The remark drew plenty of attention on social media, and Monday morning, ESPN’s Smith tore into the rookie on First Take.
“Dillon Gabriel, respectfully, it was stupid, a very dumb comment to make,” Smith said. “First of all, let me tell you something right now. In every walk of life, far beyond the parameters of a football field, people are competing.”
Smith argued that Gabriel’s words missed the mark on what drives sports and America as a whole.
“Everything, especially in America, as it pertains to a capitalistic society, involves competition,” Smith said. “To the victor goes the spoil.”
The ESPN commentator added that Gabriel’s comment seemed partially motivated by chatter comparing him to Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders.
“It was a stupid, idiotic, immature comment, because clearly you were feeling the heat,” Smith said. “But I know he was not talking about Shedeur Sanders. He was talking about the media.”
Smith closed by warning Gabriel that he had invited extra attention with his remark.
“You’ve now heightened the level of scrutiny coming your way,” Smith said. “So when you go out there and you compete like trash … we’re going to remember those comments.”
Gabriel and the Browns will be in preseason action on Saturday against the Rams. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m. ET.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 18, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Football
