Shawn Williams on Stephen A. Smith visit to Moody practice

[PonyPride]

There was a surprise visitor to Thursday's practice, when ESPN's Stephen A. Smith stopped by Moody Coliseum to conduct an interview with his old friend, Larry Brown (Smith covered Brown's 76er teams when both worked in Philadelphia).

At the end of practice, Brown introduced Smith to his team. Smith congratulated the team on its "great season so far," and then discussed Wednesday's game with Louisville. He talked about how the Ponies needed to put the game behind them and refocus for the next game. He then explained to the Mustangs that Brown knows as much about basketball, and about life, as just about anyone alive. He talked about how the players need to make good decisions and "do the right thing."

A few minutes later, Brown asked the players if they had any questions for Smith. Williams spoke up first:

"Why are you always getting on my (Dallas) Cowboys?"

After a smattering of laughter, Williams got his answer.

"He said (the Cowboys) aren't any good, even though we're 'America's Team' — he said we lose too much," Williams said.

Of course, Williams also said Smith's background had an impact on his opinions.

"He's a Philly guy," Williams said. "He lived there for a long time, when he covered Coach Brown. He's (a Philadelphia) Eagles fan, isn't he?"

Differing football allegiances aside, Williams said Smith's appearance at practice is a reflection of how things have changed around SMU basketball. The fact that celebrities know who the Mustangs are and take the time to come see them, Williams said, is a byproduct of playing for a coaching legend like Brown.

"It's been fun," Williams said. "The crowds we have had have been great, and the stars have come to see us play. We had A.I. (Allen Iverson) come to practice. Tony Romo, Coach (Jason) Garrett, Jason Witten the (former) president (George W. Bush) … the one star I wish I met was Jerry Jones — I heard he was at our game last night. Now this. (Smith) is a star. I love his show with Skip Bayless — we have it on in the locker room almost every day … although I really like Skip. He's a Cowboys fan."

[Rebel10]

Stephen A, Smith covered Coach Brown for several years when he was with the Sixers and is very good friends with Coach Brown. Glad he came in to visit the team. He was on campus not long ago to speak to some students.

[SmooPower]

We had A.I. (Allen Iverson) come to practice.

[PonyKris89]

When is this going to air?
This should be good.

[PonyPride]

Not sure, but I'll find out.

[SMU 86]

When is this going to air?
This should be good.

He gave us a shout out yesterday at the beginning First Take. Gave us some good words.

http://espn.go.com/espnradio/play?id=10562139

[Harry0569]

SAS IS THE WORST...well top 3 behind Cowherd and Skip Bayless

[Pony ^]

Shawn is the man

[Junior]

We had A.I. (Allen Iverson) come to practice.

But AI has not been to one of our game. We was at practice. Not a game. Not a game. Not a game.

[birddogger]

But AI has not been to one of our game. We was at practice. Not a game. Not a game. Not a game.

Irony.

[MoodyMagic]

We had A.I. (Allen Iverson) come to practice.

But AI has not been to one of our game. We was at practice. Not a game. Not a game. Not a game.

I actually sat in the seat that was supposed to be for Allen at the connecticut game. A friend and i snuck down to the baseline seats. And it came up in conversation that the man next to us was from virginia, one conversation led to another he was part of Allen's entourage. AI had gotten snowed in at the airport in Virginia. Heard a few pretty good AI stories

[SMU 86]

SAS IS THE WORST...well top 3 behind Cowherd and Skip Bayless

While you may not like him he gave us some positive pub and is good friends with Coach Brown. He also reaches a segment of the market that is not ultra conservative stuck up golf cap wearers which is good for SMU imo. No need to rag on him when he is giving us some good words.

[DiamondM]

The only thing that would make a show with Smith and Bayless more likely to induce ear bleeding and less watchable would be adding Nancy Grace.

I can't believe anyone voluntarily watches it (with the volume turned up). But I guess I can tolerate Smith more than that pompous blowhard Bayless.

[AustinPerson]

Give me Gordon Keith and Junior Miller over Stephen A. Smith and Skip Bayless any day - yuck. Those guys belong on Fox News or MSNBC where they can just scream at each other.

[malonish]