Kevin Durant has never been one to bite his tongue — and this time, he’s taking aim at one of sports media’s biggest names. The NBA superstar is calling out ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith, accusing him of using a “double standard” when it comes to the way he talks about athletes.

According to Durant, Smith often unleashes fierce criticism toward Black athletes, holding nothing back when he dissects their decisions, behavior, or personal lives. But when the subject shifts — particularly to Serena Williams’ husband, Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian — Durant says Smith’s tone suddenly becomes softer, more measured, and even admiring.

Durant didn’t mince words when describing the imbalance. “If you’re going to keep the same energy, keep it for everyone,” he said. “Don’t go hard on us and then turn polite when it’s someone else.”

The comment quickly went viral, sparking heated debate among fans, journalists, and even fellow players. Some agreed with Durant’s observation, saying Smith has a history of delivering fiery takes that seem harsher when directed at Black athletes. Others defended the longtime broadcaster, arguing that Smith’s tone often depends on the context of each story, not the individual’s background.

Stephen A. Smith, known for his powerful voice and unfiltered opinions, has built a career on passionate debate. But critics have often accused him of crossing the line — particularly when his critiques focus on players like Kyrie Irving, Russell Westbrook, or even Durant himself. His fiery style, while entertaining to many, has also been viewed by some as disproportionately harsh toward certain athletes compared to others.

Durant’s public challenge shines a light on a broader conversation about fairness and consistency in sports media. Should commentators adjust their tone based on personal respect, or should every athlete — regardless of background — face the same level of scrutiny?

Social media reactions poured in almost immediately. One fan wrote, “KD just said what a lot of players have been thinking for years.” Another added, “Stephen A. can’t dish out fire to one side and act diplomatic on the other — that’s not balance.”

But not everyone sided with Durant. Some users argued that Smith has every right to approach stories differently based on context or personal connection. “Stephen A. knows when to use tough love and when to show respect,” one comment read. “That’s part of what makes him so good at what he does.”

Still, Durant’s willingness to speak openly about the issue reignited long-standing tension between athletes and the media. Many players have expressed frustration with commentators who, they feel, profit from sensationalizing their mistakes while minimizing others’. Durant’s statement is part of that ongoing pushback — an effort to hold the media accountable for how narratives are shaped and whose voices are amplified.

It’s also worth noting that Durant has a history of confronting the media directly. Whether responding to online criticism or challenging narratives during press conferences, he’s made it clear that he won’t let public figures speak freely about athletes without being called out when he feels the line has been crossed.

So far, Stephen A. Smith hasn’t issued a direct response to Durant’s remarks. But given his reputation, a reply seems inevitable — and when it comes, fans can expect it to be loud, unapologetic, and likely just as headline-grabbing as Durant’s comments.

In the end, this moment isn’t just about two public figures clashing. It’s about how conversations around athletes are shaped — and who gets treated with respect in the process. Durant’s words have forced both fans and media professionals to think twice about the balance between criticism, bias, and fairness in sports coverage.

As one fan summed it up perfectly on social media: “Durant isn’t asking for protection — he’s asking for equality. If you’re going to speak with fire, make sure it burns the same for everyone.”