Denzel Washington didn’t mince words when sharing his blunt opinion about sports media talking heads. The legendary actor, known for iconic roles from “American Gangster” to “Training Day,” stepped into the sports conversation with the same intensity he brings to the big screen.
Why Did Denzel Washington Target Sports Media “Opinionaires”?
Washington, a lifelong Dallas Cowboys and New York Yankees fan who’s often seen courtside at LA Lakers games, delivered his critique with characteristic directness. The actor’s comments struck a chord with several NBA superstars, particularly LeBron James, who amplified the message on social media.
Under the caption “LEGEND COOK!!” James posted a video of Washington’s outspoken opinion on sports media, via Sports Illustrated.
Denzel Washington sounded off on sports media talking heads pic.twitter.com/5LWF0xEyhY
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) August 13, 2025
Speaking with fellow actor Jeffrey Wright, Washington made his position crystal clear. “Everybody’s got an opinion, we live in a world of ‘opinionaires,’” he said. “They’re on all the shows, a bunch of the guys, a couple that have played, but most who haven’t, who have an opinion about what something should be, when they haven’t done it.”
The “Remember the Titans” star then delivered what might be his most quotable line of the conversation. “Those who can’t, talk about those who can. Those who have, know what they talkin’ about. Those who haven’t…don’t. Period.”
How Did LeBron James and Kevin Durant React to Washington’s Comments?
James’s enthusiastic endorsement of Washington’s remarks comes as no surprise, given his tumultuous relationship with certain media personalities over the years. The Lakers superstar has faced intense scrutiny throughout his career, and that spotlight has only intensified with his son, Bronny, now playing alongside him in Los Angeles.
Kevin Durant also showed his support, posting fire emojis on Sports Illustrated’s Instagram post featuring Washington’s comments. Both superstars have had their share of heated exchanges with media members, making their backing of Washington’s stance predictable.
Washington didn’t stop there. With the eerie intensity he usually reserves for taking down villains on screen, he delivered a final message to the talking heads: “Just cuz you can sit behind a desk and chit chat doesn’t mean you can do a damn thing.”
While Washington didn’t name specific media personalities, his comments likely target controversial figures like Stephen A. Smith from ESPN’s “First Take” or Skip Bayless, both known for their heated criticism of NBA stars. Smith, in particular, has engaged in public feuds with both James and Durant over the years.
The reactions from James and Durant highlight the ongoing tension between elite athletes and certain media personalities. Both players have dealt with what they consider unfair criticism throughout their careers, and the constant scrutiny can become exhausting. For James, the pressure has doubled as media attention now focuses on Bronny’s development as well.
Washington’s defense of athletes reflects a broader conversation about the relationship between sports media and the players they cover. While everyone has the right to opinions about sports, some critics cross lines that athletes find disrespectful or uninformed.
The passion behind Washington’s delivery suggests this isn’t just casual commentary but a genuine frustration with how sports media operates. Given his stature in Hollywood and his lifelong connection to sports as a fan, his words carry significant weight in this ongoing debate between athletes and their critics.
