How Stephen A. Smith's charged Texans comments should be a wake-up call on credibility
APOLOGY COMING?
10 January 2024
The Houston Texans are back in the playoffs after several disappointing seasons that led to three head coaching hires in three straight years.
The Texans fired David Culley and Lovie Smith both after one season, before hiring DeMeco Ryans to lead the team in 2023. Texans ownership took a lot of criticism from the national media for firing African American coaches two years in a row. Many believed that these coaches weren't given a reasonable amount of time to turnaround a franchise in such bad shape.
ESPN's Stephen A. Smith was one of the most vocal media members, even going so far as to suggest African American coaches need not apply for the coaching vacancy with the Texans.
How quickly things can change in a year. DeMeco Ryans accepted the Texans head coach position and already has the team hosting a home playoff game after winning the AFC South with a 10-7 record. It's a good thing for Texans fans that DeMeco didn't follow Smith's advice.
Which has many people on social media clamoring for an apology from Smith for his take on the Texans' ownership.
Does Stephen A. owe Texans ownership an apology, or was he right to express his opinion considering the state of the organization at the time?
Don't miss the video above for the full conversation!
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José Ramírez and David Fry homered and Brayan Rocchio added a two-run double as the Cleveland Guardians beat the Houston Astros 7-5 on Monday night to snap a 10-game skid.
The victory is Cleveland’s first since June 25th and comes a day after losing to Detroit in 10 innings Sunday.
The score was tied with two outs in the sixth and the Guardians had two on when Rocchio doubled to left field off Steven Okert to put them on top 6-4.
With two outs in the bottom of the inning, Victor Caratini connected off Matt Festa (2-2) on a shot to right field to get Houston within 1.
However, Fry connected with two outs in the ninth to give Cleveland an insurance run.
Emmanuel Clase pitched a perfect ninth for his 19th save.
Taylor Trammell added a three-run home run for his first hit this season and Isaac Paredes had a solo shot for the AL West-leading Astros, who lost for just the second time in eight games.
Cleveland starter Tanner Bibee allowed four hits and four runs in 4 2/3 innings.
Colton Gordon (3-2) yielded seven hits and five runs in 5 2/3 innings for the Astros.
There were runners on second and third with no outs in the fifth when Steven Kwan lined an RBI single that hit Gordon in the head. The pitcher fell to the ground as his cap flew off but quickly got to his feet. He was checked on by a trainer and threw some warmup pitches before remaining in the game.
Ramírez homered to left field with two outs in the inning to make it 4-0.
Trammell’s shot to the seats in left field cut the lead to 4-3 in the bottom of the inning.
There were two outs in the inning when Paredes smacked his home run off the foul pole in left field to tie it and chase Bibee.
Key moment
Rocchio’s double that gave Cleveland the lead for good.
Key stat
The Guardians won despite going 3 for 11 with runners in scoring position.
Up next
Astros RHP Hunter Brown (9-3, 1.82 ERA) opposes Guardians LHP Joey Cantillo (1-0, 3.41) when the series continues Tuesday night.
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