# Stephen A Smith Apologizes for Lane Johnson Comments

> Stephen A Smith's apology for insensitive remarks about Lane Johnson's mental health retirement sparks fan backlash.
- Title: Stephen A Smith Apologizes for Lane Johnson Comments
- Summary: Stephen A Smith's apology for insensitive remarks about Lane Johnson's mental health retirement sparks fan backlash. Stephen A Smith faces calls for firing…
- Keywords: stephen a smith, lane johnson, mental health, philadelphia eagles, nfl, first take, apology, firing, sports, Stephen, Smith, Apologizes
- Source: EssentiallySports — https://essentiallysports.com/ncaa-college-football-news-calls-mount-for-stephen-a-smiths-firing-despite-his-public-apology-to-lane-johnson
- Author: Isha
- Published: 2026-10-08T19:48:08+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: stephen a smith, lane johnson, mental health, philadelphia eagles, nfl, first take, apology, firing, sports
## Smith's Apology Adds Backlash
Stephen A Smith's apology to Lane Johnson was supposed to end controversy but only added more backlash as calls for his firing grow.
## Fans Call for Smith's Firing
Thousands of football fans demanded ESPN fire Stephen A Smith for insensitive comments about Lane Johnson's mental health retirement.
## Smith's Controversial Comment
Smith mocked Lane Johnson's retirement decision on First Take, saying he called it quits not before the season or in the offseason.

> You know what, 'I’m going to call it quits,' ... Now, he calls it quits. Not before the season. Not in the offseason. No, no, no.
## Smith's Apology Clarification
Smith later clarified his comments were not about mental health but a critique of the Eagles' performance, calling them 'misconstrued'.
## Fan Backlash Continues
Fans felt Smith's apology was forced and lacked remorse, with many believing he made light of mental health concerns.
## Key takeaway

Stephen A Smith faces calls for firing after apologizing for mocking Lane Johnson's decision to retire due to mental health concerns.