Stephen A Smith argues golfers and NASCAR drivers aren’t athletes

Stephen A. Smith might marvel at the skills of golfers and NASCAR drivers, but he praises them cautiously.

Smith said professionals are “elite at what they do,” but he draws a line when describing them.

On his SiriusXM show, while debating some of the greatest athletes of all time, a caller suggested NASCAR legend Richard Petty, and Smith launched into a rant.

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Stephen A. Smith during warmups before a game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on November 3, 2025. (Perry Knotts/Getty Images)

“Come on, man. It doesn’t count. You’re driving a car!” Smith started, via Awful Announcement. “I’m honest. It’s a great sport. But come on, bro. Getting behind the wheel of a car isn’t the same.

“You can be behind the wheel of a car between 60 and 70 years old for crying out loud.”

Smith also insinuated that “just because you have to run an 18-hole course for four days doesn’t mean you’re an athlete.”

Host Stephen A. Smith speaks with Senator Ted Cruz during a SiriusXM Town Hall event at the SiriusXM studio in Washington, DC on November 19, 2025. (Paul Morigi/Getty Images for SiriusXM)

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“They’re talented players, they’re elite at what they do. But athletes? Athletes? Are you kidding me? Is walking the last sport you want to turn into an Olympic sport? Because I guess that would make them athletic, right?” Smith continued.

“Because they can walk. If you’re doing things that grandmas and grandpas can do, I’m not going to look at you that way. You’re talented, you’re incredibly talented as a golfer…but it’s not an athletic sport.”

Stephen A. Smith attends WrestleMania 42: Night 1 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on April 18, 2026. (Andrew Timms/WWE)

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Smith, however, made an exception for 15-time major champion Tiger Woods – not necessarily because of his golf skills, but because of his build and overall athleticism.

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