ESPN's Stephen A. Smith made controversial remarks Friday about women and provocation when he discussed the Ray Rice suspension on "First Take". Watch the video below and weigh in on whether Smith was out of line.
The NFL suspended Rice for two games for his domestic violence incident earlier this year. While Smith didn't argue the suspension, he did make several controversial statements in regard to women and provocation.
Smith later sought to clarify his remarks on Twitter:
"My series of tweets a short time ago is not an adequate way to capture my thoughts so I am using a single tweet via Twitlonger to more appropriately and effectively clarify my remarks from earlier today about the Ray Rice situation. I completely recognize the sensitivity of the issues and the confusion and disgust that my comments caused. First off, as I said earlier and I want to reiterate strongly, it is never OK to put your hands on a women. Ever. I understand why that important point was lost in my other comments, which did not come out as I intended. I want to state very clearly. I do NOT believe a woman provokes the horrible domestic abuses that are sadly such a major problem in our society. I wasn't trying to say that or even imply it when I was discussing my own personal upbringing and the important role the women in my family have played in my life. I understand why my comments could be taken another way. I should have done a better job articulating my thoughts and I sincerely apologize."
