Stephen A. Smith Calls NBA City 'One of The Worst in America' originally appeared on Athlon Sports. ESPN's "First Take" host Stephen A. Smith issued a strong statement Tuesday directed at local Memphis authorities, claiming that several NBA players perceive the city as an unsafe environment.

However, according to NBA analyst Stephen A. Smith, players don’t feel safe when they travel to Memphis, which could prevent the team from reaching its full potential.

Stephen A. Smith said NBA players have told him they don't want to play for the Grizzlies because Memphis isn't "the safest environment."