It’s the playoffs, so some physicality is expected. However, Russell Westbrook might have crossed the line during Game 3 of the first-round series against the Dallas Mavericks. He was involved in a series of dangerous plays during the game, including a shoving and swinging match with Dallas Maverick’s Luka Doncic and P.J. Washington. Although Westbrook was subsequently ejected, it was not enough for Stephen A. Smith.

On Sunday, Smith admitted calling the NBA’s office to inquire why Russell Westbrook was merely ejected instead of facing more severe consequences. Unfortunately for Smith, his inquiries resulted in nothing but disappointment. The league did get back to him with answers. And perfectly reasonable ones.

“I was informed that the officials gave the reports and when they wrote the reports, they said that the situation was handled. He got what should have come to him. He was T-ed up twice, he was also given Flagrant 2, he was ejected from the game. We had this matter under control and there was no further incident, so since that was the case, that’s why we didn’t suspend him,” revealed the veteran analyst on the Stephen A. Smith Show.

Of course, some folks weren’t thrilled about Smith “snitching” on Russell Westbrook. Rapper Gillie Da Kid, for one, took to his Instagram story to express his disapproval. “Listen to this sh*t, why would you call the league office? You don’t work for the NBA!” Gillie said in the video. Not one to shy away from controversy, Stephen A. Smith quickly fired back, defending his decision.

Stephen A. Smith defends his decision

According to Smith, unlike podcasters, he doesn’t just talk about the games; he covers the league. And that means investigating, verifying, and comprehending what exactly went behind the decisions that were taken. “I’ve been a reporter for 30 years, covering the NBA. You think I just watch the game and talk? You think stuff just comes out of my mouth, and I’m not watching? and I’m not having sources feed me information? No, that’s y’all who do podcasts, I’m a reporter… There’s an inherently different obligation that comes from me,” said Smith.

This is also not the first time he has reached out to the NBA to inquire about a controversial call. Smith revealed that he also called the office to question why Joel Embiid was not ejected when he grabbed Mitchell Robinson’s leg as he went up for a dunk during Game 3 of the first-round playoff series between the Philadelphia 76ers and New York Knicks.

What do you think of Stephen A. Smith’s defense? Was it reasonable for him to reach out to the league? Or was he trying to snitch? Let us know in the comments!