ANTI-HERO Stephen A. Smith tells Taylor Swift critics to ‘grow up’ and hits back at Tony Dungy after his ‘disenchanted’ claim

Stephen A. revealed she’s attended one of Swift’s concerts and shared his thoughts on the gig

STEPHEN A. Smith has responded to Tony Dungy’s comments on Taylor Swift’s presence at NFL games as he slammed the singer’s critics.

Dungy, 68, recently suggested the Shake It Off artist is a distraction to the game, which leaves fans “disenchanted.”

Stephen A. Smith has come to Taylor Swift’s defense, responding to Tony Dungy’s comments on the singer’s presence at NFL games

Dungy has claimed the buzz Swift’s appearance inside NFL arenas generates takes away from football

Swift has attended several Kansas City Chiefs games since she started dating tight end Travis Kelce

And Smith, 56, sought to prove the NBC Sports analyst wrong in a new episode of his YouTube show.

“It’s very rare that you’ll hear me disagree with the great Tony Dungy,” Stephen A. said of Swift, 34, who’s attended several games of her boyfriend and Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce this season.

“But it was necessary on this particular day because I thought that something he uttered was just shocking.

“And it involved the one and only Taylor Swift.”

Smith cited the NFL’s surging viewership numbers to suggest Swift is an asset to the league, not a distraction.

“I love Tony Dungy, love him to death. But you’re blaming Taylor Swift for disinterest in NFL action?” the First Take star asked rhetorically.

“Second-highest Monday Night Football ratings since 2000, 97 of the top 100 TV programs of 2023.

“What are we talking about?” Let her live her life.”

Last week, Dungy claimed that Swift’s appearances at Chiefs games take away from the happenings on the field.

“That’s the thing that’s disenchanting people with sports now,” he told Fox News’ Raymond Arroyo.

“There’s so much on the outside coming in. Entertainment value and different things.

“Taking away from what really happens on the field.”

The attention Swift has attracted since becoming part of the NFL world has put her under increased scrutiny.

The pop star has faced claims claiming her relationship with Kelce is a PR stunt and that her presence might have had an impact on Kansas City’s bumpy regular season performance.

And Stephen A. came to the 12-time Grammy winner’s defense.

“I went to a Taylor Swift concert, that s**t was off the chain. That was something special,” he said.

“It’s getting ridiculous how she’s being criticized by some, insulted by others, blamed by many. People, grow up.

“And in the case of Tony Dungy, it’s like… come on, man. Can we stop this sir? Respectfully, please.”