Tom Thibodeau‘s firing sent shockwaves around the NBA world on Tuesday and Stephen A. Smith is calling on Knicks brass to answer to it.
Appearing on “SportsCenter” to discuss the repercussions with host Malika Andrews, Smith name-dropped team president Leon Rose when it came to addressing the organization’s decision with the media — referring to him as a “coward” for releasing a statement instead of standing up in front of the move.
.@stephenasmith calls for Knicks President Leon Rose to properly address the media about the decision to fire head coach Tom Thibodeau.
(via @malika_andrews) pic.twitter.com/SbUOel8FuP
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) June 3, 2025
“To be quite honest with you, I think we all as New Yorkers should find Leon Rose’s statement offensive,” Smith began. “Get the hell in front of a microphone and a camera and answer questions. Stop being a coward! Because that’s how he’s acting.”
“I’m not calling him that as a man or as a person,” Stephen A. clarified. “I’m saying that’s how he’s been acting as president of the New York Knicks when it comes to communicating with the media and articulating the decisions you make and why they are being made.”
Rose is known to be one of the least forward execs in the league when it comes to making himself available to reporters. And after reportedly backing Thibodeau just days before his exit, the feeling in the Knicks’ front office clearly had changed.
“Our organization is singularly focused on winning a championship for our fans,” Rose said in his statement. “We can’t thank Tom enough for pouring his heart and soul into each and every day of being the New York Knicks head coach.”
Sarah Stier/Getty Images
“Ultimately, we made the decision we feel is best for our organization moving forward,” he concluded. “Tom will always be a part of our Knicks family and we truly wish him nothing but the best in the future.”
Coach Thibs helped lead New York to its first NBA Finals appearance in 25 years. It’s unclear what direction the Knicks plan to go in next but you have to wonder what this means for the rest of Thibodeau’s staff — including Rick Brunson.
Related: Wrestling Legend Ric Flair Deletes Controversial Social Media Post