Robert Littal Begs Stephen A. Smith to Help Black Male Journalists After Marcus Morris YNs Comment

On April 16, 2025, Robert Littal, founder of Black Sports Online, used X to call on Stephen A. Smith to provide opportunities for young black male journalists on platforms like First Take. In his first post at 9:13 AM PDT, Littal wrote, “Please @stephenasmith  get some young journalist brothers (non players) an opportunity on your platform. You have the power to control the panel” (Robert Littal’s X post). Five minutes later, at 9:18 AM PDT, he emphasized the urgency, stating, “Stephen A. Literally could create a brand new wave of brother journalists just with the wave of his hand and the brother sports journalists are dying out like the dinosaurs. Brothers just not getting in the business anymore lack of opportunities” (Robert Littal’s X post). Later, at 11:32 AM PDT, he provided an example, noting, “Take Colin Cowherd for example. Nick Wright and jason mcintyre two non athletes who had their own platforms but were elevated by Cowherd and now have much bigger platforms. It can be done” (Robert Littal’s X post). These posts reflect Littal’s belief that Smith, with his influence, can help address the underrepresentation of black journalists in sports media.

Criticism of Marcus Morris’s Comment

The context for Littal’s posts includes a controversial comment by Marcus Morris on First Take on April 15, 2025, where he referred to the Memphis Grizzlies as “YNs,” interpreted by many as offensive slang. Littal’s replies to his followers suggest he criticized this, stating, “We have to start showing some value to our lives. Young black men are becoming extinct trying to be ‘YNs’ I don’t need someone on national tv describing professional athletes like that and having some kid thinking it’s cool. We have to be better than this” (Robert Littal’s X reply). This indicates Littal’s concern about the impact of such language on young black men.

Athletes in Media and Opportunities for Journalists

Littal’s posts also touch on the broader issue of athletes like Morris taking media roles, potentially reducing opportunities for traditional journalists. His advocacy for non-athlete journalists suggests he sees this as a challenge, particularly for black male journalists, and calls for a more balanced approach in sports media representation.

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