Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown’s season might be over, but his dispute with ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith has escalated. Brown, during a livestream, addressed Smith’s previous remarks telling him to ‘be quiet.’ Smith had responded to Brown’s accusations that NBA referees held an ‘agenda’ against him, following the Philadelphia 76ers comeback victory over the Celtics.

Brown had earlier posted on X, stating he would ‘be quiet’ once Smith retired. During the livestream, Brown expressed frustration, saying, ‘Did he just say I needed to be quiet? Be quiet for who?’ He criticized Smith for allegedly using his platform for clickbait rather than real journalism, and proposed Smith’s retirement might lead to improved journalistic integrity in sports media.

Stephen A. Smith’s other comments included questioning NBA players’ safety in Memphis, which drew a response from Grizzlies guard Ja Morant during an NBA event in 2024. Brown also analyzed a clip of Smith discussing Brown’s decision not to feature Jayson Tatum on his stream, labeling Smith as a ‘clown.’

The Celtics surpassed fan expectations this season. Boston began the year without Jayson Tatum due to his Achilles injury, but Brown stepped up, playing in 71 games and averaging impressive stats: 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists. He emphasized that Smith did not recognize the importance of leadership and team chemistry in the Celtics’ success.

The team finished with a 56-26 record, securing the Atlantic Division title. Smith had remarked that Brown should ‘be quiet’ unless attempting to force a trade from the Celtics. Ryan Gaydos serves as a senior editor for Fox News Digital.