Stephen A. Smith calls Trump selfish, narcissistic for attending NBA Finals

The ESPN airwaves crackled with intensity on Monday as Stephen A. Smith turned his focus away from the court and toward the presidential box. Smith did not mince words regarding President Donald Trump’s planned attendance at Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs, labeling the move as "selfish," "narcissistic," and "ridiculous."

A Logistical Nightmare

Trump is set to make history as the first sitting president to attend an NBA Finals game. However, Smith argued on "First Take" that the presence of a head of state creates an unnecessary burden on the city. "This president has no business showing up in New York City," Smith said. "I am dead serious. It is selfish, it is narcissistic and it is ridiculous that he is coming to this game. I would say the same thing if it were Obama, George W., Clinton, I don’t give a damn if we went back to Reagan."

Smith emphasized the unique challenges of hosting such a high-profile figure in the heart of midtown Manhattan. "This is not a football stadium in some space in Texas where you got a whole bunch of outlays and all of this other stuff. This is the Garden," Smith explained. "Do you have any idea what the congestion is going to be like in New York City here? I get off my radio show at 3 o’clock and I’ve been instructed that I have to go straight to the Garden for an 8:30 p.m. game because that’s how bad traffic is going to be."

Security Restrictions at the Garden

The security requirements for a presidential visit have forced significant changes for fans. The NYPD and Secret Service have implemented a multi-block security perimeter around Madison Square Garden, mandated a no-bag policy for attendees, and officially canceled the popular outdoor watch parties that have accompanied the Knicks' historic playoff run. New York is chasing its first NBA title since 1973, having rattled off 13 consecutive wins to reach the Finals for the first time since 1999.

"The NYPD in coordination with the Secret Service made the decision for Game 3, where we have a presidential visit, that we could not support watch parties right outside of the Garden," Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch stated during a Monday news conference. "We are looking forward to bringing back watch parties for Game 4. But I think New Yorkers are used to presidents coming to town, and they understand that that generally means lockdowns of areas and that’s what you’re going to see tonight at the Garden."

The Associated Press contributed to this 205focus.com report.