Stephen A. Smith Fires Back at DeMarcus Lawrence on Twitter Over 'First Take' Criticism [UPDATE]

Over the last half-week, part of First Take's discourse has been about Jerry Jones and his uncharacteristic silence since protests consumed the United States. New Dallas Cowboy Gerald McCoy appeared on the show to express his disappointment in Jones' silence and put forth a request that his new boss stand with his employees.

Dallas defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence doesn't quite agree with McCoy. In a statement to the Fort-Worth Star-Telegram, Lawrence expressed his belief that this isn't about Jones or any of the other powerful white men in his position. It's about how we as a society are coming together, not just one man's thoughts and opinions. Stephen A. Smith disagreed with Lawrence and said as much on First Take on Tuesday.

In response, Lawrence tweeted at Smith about how his actions speak louder than any of his words and it stands out that First Take didn't address that.

.@stephenasmith Let’s stop waiting on others to speak and let’s BE ABOUT CHANGE. That’s MY CHOICE! Look down my timeline & you’ll notice a common theme...ACTION! Not just words! Funny that those actions weren’t things @FirstTake featured or talked about on the show. #ManOfAction pic.twitter.com/zFK4JLJeHk
— DeMarcus Lawrence (@TankLawrence) June 23, 2020

Smith was quite offended by the sentiment and sent back a lengthy statement over several tweets addressing Lawrence's points.

With all due RESPECT — and I sincerely mean RESPECT @TankLawrence — you need to do your homework. @FirstTake has addressed and challenged one issue after another FOR YEARS. We are not new to this. 7-Years and counting. Look it up. And while doing so, I never once questioned your https://t.co/1EaLoSS3HF
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) June 23, 2020

Integrity or agenda. I simply stated @TankLawrence that I respectfully, yet vehemently, disagree with your statement specifically regarding Jerry Jones need to speak. And I’m not backing up from that one bit. He talks every other time, so why not now. And furthermore, if I were https://t.co/1EaLoSS3HF
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) June 23, 2020

You @TankLawrence, rather than be concerned about MY WORDS, what about the flagrant absence of most of your teammates during these times pertaining to Jerry Jones’ silence. At a time when @Money23Green and others have stated their lack of affinity for the title “owner,” on top https://t.co/1EaLoSS3HF
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) June 23, 2020

of Jerry Jones declaration that none of his players would kneel or do anything perceived as being disrespectful to the flag, at least MOST of your teammates — I’m being kind here — has uttered barely a syllable in opposition @TankLawrence. Barely a damn word outside of Gerald https://t.co/1EaLoSS3HF
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) June 23, 2020

McCoy. So again @TankLawrence, with all due respect, try aiming your ire, disgust, etc., in a different direction. Not this way.....on this issue. All I’ve called for is for Jerry Jones to SPEAK. Why? Because White Silence Is Compliance. I want JJ to do what he’s been addicted https://t.co/1EaLoSS3HF
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) June 23, 2020

To doing @TankLawrence. And that’s simply being heard. It’s a damn shame that I’m the one calling for it instead of some of at least SOME of the fellas wearing a @dallascowboys uniform. And needless to say, I’m not joking. This ain’t about your history or you wonderful work https://t.co/1EaLoSS3HF
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) June 23, 2020

Over the years @TankLawrence. I ain’t questioning that, bro. This is about Jerry Jones, and what power his words can wield. And if he doesn’t want to exercise that, we have a right to know why.....based on HIS history. I’m not saying WHAT he should say. Just that SILENCE https://t.co/1EaLoSS3HF
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) June 23, 2020

Is completely unacceptable from him right now, @TankLawrence. Period. I’m not going away on this. And neither should any Black Man wearing a @dallascowboys uniform right now. Have a blessed day. https://t.co/1EaLoSS3HF
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) June 23, 2020

Lawrence has yet to respond to the flurry of tweets from Smith. Both men clearly feel strongly about their opinions here. We will update this post with any further tweets from either of the two.

UPDATE: Lawrence has responded via the chosen medium for this dispute.

@stephenasmith you use your platform to look for answers from Jerry Jones I don’t. So with all due respect like I said I’m about real changes not public statements from anybody period.
— DeMarcus Lawrence (@TankLawrence) June 23, 2020