### Drake Maye Navigates Media Storm Following Stephen A. Smith's Accusations Drake Maye, the New England Patriots quarterback, has found himself at the center of a media controversy involving ESPN pundits Stephen A. Smith and Cam Newton. The drama began when Maye claimed he was unaware of Newton's appearance on the show "First Take," leading Smith to label him a "liar." This exchange has sparked significant backlash and discussion across various media platforms, with other commentators weighing in on the situation. Maye has since chosen to take the high road in his responses, emphasizing professionalism amidst the chaos. ### Breakdown of the Media Controversy 1. **Initial Comments and Accusations** - Drake Maye stated he did not know Cam Newton was on "First Take," prompting Stephen A. Smith to call him a "liar" during a broadcast [https://www.mediaite.com/media/sports/stephen-a-smith-tears-into-patriots-qb-drake-maye-for-supposedly-not-knowing-about-first-take-liar]. - Smith's remarks were made in the context of a broader discussion about the Patriots' performance and Newton's critical comments regarding the team's resurgence [https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/nfl/article-15310907/stephen-smith-drake-maye-cam-newton-espn.html]. 2. **Reactions from Other Media Personalities** - Jason Whitlock and Dave Portnoy criticized Smith for his harsh words towards Maye, suggesting that the accusation was unwarranted [https://www.themirror.com/sport/american-football/stephen-a-smith-drake-maye-1518055]. - Portnoy specifically called out Smith for his comments, indicating a divide in opinions among sports commentators [https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/new-england-patriots/patriots-news-dave-portnoy-blasts-stephen-a-smith-drake-maye-liar-comments]. 3. **Maye's Response** - In a recent interview, Maye addressed the situation, opting to remain composed and not engage in further conflict with Smith or Newton [https://www.boston.com/sports/new-england-patriots/2025/11/24/drake-maye-espn-nfl-football-espn-cam-newton-stephen-a-smith]. - He emphasized the importance of focusing on his performance and the team's goals rather than getting caught up in media drama [https://nesn.com/2025/11/drake-maye-takes-high-road-on-stephen-a-smiths-liar-accusation]. ### Supporting Evidence and Reactions - **Public Sentiment**: The public reaction has been mixed, with some supporting Maye's decision to take the high road while others criticize Smith for his aggressive approach. - **Media Coverage**: The incident has been widely covered across various platforms, highlighting the ongoing tension between players and media personalities in the sports world. ### Conclusion: Navigating Media Dynamics In summary, **Drake Maye's handling of the situation reflects a mature approach to media scrutiny**. The key points are: 1. **Accusation**: Stephen A. Smith's claim that Maye is a "liar" for not knowing about Newton's appearance on "First Take" [https://www.mediaite.com/media/sports/stephen-a-smith-tears-into-patriots-qb-drake-maye-for-supposedly-not-knowing-about-first-take-liar]. 2. **Reactions**: Criticism from other media figures like Jason Whitlock and Dave Portnoy [https://www.themirror.com/sport/american-football/stephen-a-smith-drake-maye-1518055]. 3. **Maye's Response**: A commitment to professionalism and focus on the game rather than engaging in media feuds [https://www.boston.com/sports/new-england-patriots/2025/11/24/drake-maye-espn-nfl-football-espn-cam-newton-stephen-a-smith]. This incident serves as a reminder of the complexities athletes face in managing their public personas amidst media narratives.