Shawn Williams on Stephen A. Smith visit to Moody practice
Posted: Fri Mar 07, 2014 1:39 amThere 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."
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."
