Jason Whitlock is throwing barbs at ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith over Smith’s post on X regarding the death of Nolan Wells.
Wells’ body was found two days after he disappeared while on a Fourth of July boating trip to Horn Island. Wells, 18, was taking a boat trip with some friends but never returned with them.
Jason Whitlock Makes Statement to Stephen A. Smith
The circumstances around Wells’ death have led his parents to seek a clarification about them. Wells’ funeral was held on Monday. When Smith posted on X about this, Whitlock wasn’t far behind in calling him out.
On Tuesday afternoon on X, Smith posted the following: “This is a very sad day. Nolan Wells was laid to rest today. My heart goes out to his family and loved ones. But it ain’t over. We need to find out what happened to that young man…”
This is a very sad day. Nolan Wells was laid to rest today. My heart goes out to his family and loved ones. But it ain’t over. We need to find out what happened to that young man…
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) July 21, 2026
Of course, though, Wells was buried on Monday in Mississippi. Whitlock noted what Smith wrote and offered his viewpoint on what Smith wrote online.
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Whitlock posted, “Nolan Wells funeral was yesterday, Stephen A. When they pass out the talking points, pay attention. This is a well-funded media campaign.”
Nolan Wells funeral was yesterday, Stephen A. When they pass out the talking points, pay attention.
This is a well-funded media campaign. https://t.co/4HAANhlr9W
— Jason Whitlock (@jasonwhitlock) July 21, 2026
Whitlock believes that the entire Wells matter is, in his words, “a well-funded media campaign.” He shares his thoughts on everything from sports to politics on “Fearless with Jason Whitlock,” a podcast that airs regularly on the Blaze Podcast Network. Conservative commentator Glenn Beck is among the podcast company’s leaders.
Smith, too, has entered into the political fray with a weekly show on SiriusXM’s “P.O.T.U.S.” channel. This has led some people to speculate whether or not Smith will be running for public office. Smith has not indicated whether he might run for a position in politics at this time.
But Whitlock will be watching Smith’s moves very, very closely. Don’t expect Whitlock to not speak out when he sees the ESPN host of “First Take” make a slip-up in what he speaks or what he posts online.
