ESPN star Marty Smith hit back at his critics Thursday after he stirred controversy at Augusta National last week.
The analyst drew the ire of orthodox golf fans when he was spotted sporting Air Jordans on the Masters broadcast during last week’s major championship, which was won in thrilling fashion by Rory McIlroy.
The 49-year-old wore the sneakers with a navy blue suit and purple tie while on air, which many scathing social media users branded a fashion faux pas for the hallowed ground of Augusta National.
However, following a week of unfair criticism, Smith set the record straight in an emotional statement online.
Taking to X, he shared a touching story, revealing the deeper significance of the Nike sneakers.
Smith confessed that growing up he idolized NBA legend Michael Jordan but his family didn’t have enough to afford a pair of his brand’s sneakers.
ESPN star Marty Smith hit back at his critics Thursday after he stirred controversy at Augusta
The analyst faced brutal ridicule for sporting Air Jordans during his Masters coverage
The major championship was won by Rory McIlroy in thrilling fashion following a playoff
‘When I was kid in Giles County, Southwest, Virginia, Appalachia, we didn’t have much. We were blessed with love and family and faith, but not material things. Granted, I never wanted for anything, but only because my parents worked to the bone,’ he wrote on X.
‘My father worked tirelessly to keep the lights on and food in our bellies. Stacy and I didn’t know what we didn’t have. We had love. But we also knew the value of a dollar.
And when I was in 8th grade I really wanted Air Jordan 5s. We’d gotten WGN on cable TV and I watched MJ religiously every damn night. I thought Michael walked on water. I know him now, and I still do.
‘He captivated me in a way no one else ever had. The fire. The passion. Not backing down from anything. Ever. Always delivering.
‘I wanted the Cement 4s the previous year, in 7th grade, but daddy wouldn’t buy them. Crazy to spend $150 on sneakers, boy. He told me if I wanted them, to save my money and buy them myself. Work for it. Show me.’
Smith went on to reveal that he worked tirelessly bailing hay all summer to save up for a pair. And when he finally did scrape together enough for the coveted shoes, he refused to wear them until he got to school in order to avoid spoiling the sole.
‘I turned 49 yesterday,’ Smith continued. ‘Nothing has changed. Yes, I have a little more scratch, but I care so much for those shoes. The inspiration from MJ. The favor from my father. The literal sweat and the blood and passion to earn the goal.
‘I don’t know much. Mock me. It’s fine. But I do know several Augusta National members. Real men and women who appreciate real men and women. Grinders. The Entrepreneurial spirit. And I bet if I told them that exact story, they’d shake my hand and appreciate the sentiment.’
The broadcaster is pictured with US Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley at the tournament
‘I’ve been mocked, ridiculed, slandered due to the post below,’ he added, referencing a since-deleted post. ‘Patrons yelled at me all day Sunday at the Masters for wearing Js. I get it. It’s fun to use social media platforms to ridicule things that we don’t understand. To deflect. When it’s not your life, you share snide perspective, chuckle, scratch your nuts and move along.
‘I stayed quiet on this for days. But it ate at me. Context is everything. Contemplated. Processed being mocked for being Southern and having a unique haircut and wearing suits that fit well.
‘Ultimately I’m proud of my Air Jordans. Every pair in every context. They say so much about my journey and my inspiration. In some small way, they’re what drive me to be great.’
Smith joined ESPN in 2006 and has gone on to become one of the network’s most recognized reporters.
He has proven to be a versatile asset, covering a variety of sports including college football, basketball, golf, motorsports and others as well as appearing on platforms such as SportsCenter.
