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Stephen A. Smith Fires Back at Kansas Star Darryn Peterson
ESPN analyst says Peterson's actions speak louder than his words amid missed games and inconsistent play.
Published on Feb. 24, 2026
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Kansas freshman Darryn Peterson, a projected top NBA draft pick, tried to downplay the criticism he has faced this season for missing multiple games due to issues like cramps and the flu. However, ESPN's Stephen A. Smith responded by saying Peterson's actions have spoken louder than his words, pointing to the 11-12 games he has missed in his first college season and his tendency to inform coaches shortly before games that he cannot play.
Why it matters
Peterson is one of the most highly touted college basketball players in the country, so his ability to stay healthy and contribute consistently is crucial for Kansas as they aim for a deep NCAA Tournament run. Smith's criticism highlights growing concerns about Peterson's reliability and maturity as he prepares to make the jump to the NBA.
The details
After Kansas' 78-71 win over No. 2 Houston on Monday, Peterson addressed the national attention he has received, saying he ignores the 'chatter' and has 'kind of been an anti-social loner' in handling the criticism. However, on ESPN's First Take, Smith fired back, saying Peterson needs to understand that 'your actions speak louder than your words.' Smith pointed to Peterson missing 11-12 games this season for various reasons and informing coaches shortly before games that he could not play, which he said shows an 'inability to be relied upon' in terms of availability.
- On February 24, 2026, Darryn Peterson spoke to the media after Kansas' win over Houston.
- On February 24, 2026, Stephen A. Smith responded to Peterson's comments on ESPN's First Take.
The players
Darryn Peterson
A Kansas freshman and projected top pick in the 2026 NBA draft who has missed multiple games this season due to issues like cramps and the flu.
Stephen A. Smith
An ESPN analyst who strongly criticized Peterson's inconsistent availability and reliability this season.
Kansas
The college basketball team that Peterson plays for, which has earned three home wins over AP Top 5 opponents this season.
What they’re saying
“What he has to understand as a grown man growing into manhood, is your actions speak louder than your words. Reality is you've missed 11/12 games in your first collegiate season for stuff like cramps, and the flu, and you've let coaches know minutes before games that you couldn't go. You're already showing an inability to be relied upon in terms of your availability. That's reality. Those are facts.”
— Stephen A. Smith, ESPN Analyst (ESPN's First Take)
“Somebody has had something to say probably after every game. I don't really pay attention. I've kind of been an anti-social loner my whole life.”
— Darryn Peterson (Sporting News)
What’s next
Kansas will travel to face Arizona on Saturday, February 29, 2026, in a key non-conference matchup as they continue their push for a high NCAA Tournament seed.
The takeaway
This situation highlights the challenges top college basketball prospects can face in handling the intense scrutiny and expectations that come with their talent. Peterson's inconsistent availability and maturity will be closely watched as he prepares to make the jump to the NBA, where reliability and professionalism are crucial for long-term success.
