Clay Travis Grills Stephen A. Smith's DEI Defense, Opens Up Floor For Debate With ESPN Commentator
OutKick founder Clay Travis responded to Stephen A. Smith's comments after SAS criticized Clay for opposing DEI and calling it a detriment to the nation.
Not only did Clay respond, but he opened up the floor for Stephen A. to debate him on DEI, if the ESPN pundit truly believes in its profound historical impact on Black Americans.
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DEI Is Racism, Regardless of What Stephen A. Declares
Clay tripled down on his position on Tuesday's "OutKick the Show," calling the "diversity, equity, and inclusion" initiative, generally promoted by progressives, a critical seed of division among Americans of all ethical backgrounds.
"It's the opposite of the American meritocracy and we should reject it," Clay declared. "DEI is the absence of everything we should be striving for in an American society."
Smith posted a video on Monday where he ridiculed Travis' opinion, calling it ignorant of Black history in America. He made not-so-subtle digs at Travis for being white.
Smith then invited Michael Eric Dyson — further stretching SAS's sentiment on the importance of DEI in a racist and illogical rant.
Clay responded, calling Stephen A. Smith's opinion of DEI "misinformed" for defining it as a boon to race relations in America rather than calling it what it is, foundational racism.
Stephen A. and his groupie, Michael Eric Dyson, argued that seminal black men like Michael Jordan would not be remembered in history if not for the impact of affirmative action and DEI, relegating MJ and others to a standard of race rather than skill.
DEI Only Benefits Talent-Less People
Clay proposed that unskilled Americans like journeyman race-baiter Bomani Jones have been the only benefactors of the DEI movement, highlighting the concept's inherent flaw of ignoring merit and putting unqualified people in high positions.
Ex-Harvard President Claudine Gay is another brilliant example of DEI's failures.
"I'm happy to debate Stephen Smith anywhere," Clay said. "I don't think he's successful because he's black. I think he's successful because he's talented, which is how the meritocracy should work. Other black guys got great opportunities at ESPN.
"I think Bomani Jones is a good example. The dude failed in radio; failed in TV; failed in premium TV and has never been able to create an audience. Bomani keeps getting promoted because he's a black guy. People think Bomani Jones deserves to be promoted because he looks like what they want somebody in that position to look like. And audiences overwhelmingly reject him everywhere, yet he keeps getting promoted."
Additionally, Clay noted that the "diversity of thought" should be the only form of diversity embraced to foster real "equality" in America, rather than forcing "equity," a standard based on a person's skin color.
"I think that Stephen A. Smith has been misled about what DEI is," Clay added.
"Diversity equity, and inclusion in my opinion is foundational racism," he shared. "To me, the only thing that matters when we talk about diversity is diversity of thought. Focusing on the diversity of color as if somehow it's a strength makes no sense. …
"Equity is B.S.; I believe in 'equality' of opportunity. I believe you should be judged not by what someone did before you but by what you do yourself. … DEI is the antithesis of everything sports represent; may the best man win."
Follow along on X:@AlejandroAveela