Denzel Washington pulled no punches in a recent interview in which he’s asked about the pressure and criticism facing young stars who constantly find themselves under the limelight, young stars like Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Bronny James and Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders.
The Oscar winner, promoting Spike Lee’s new film, Highest 2 Lowest, went off on those who make a living sitting in front of a camera and teeing off on athletes. Washington made it abundantly clear that he subscribes to the idea that “those who can, do; and those who can’t, teach.”
“Everybody’s got an opinion. In fact, we live in a world of ‘opinionaires,'” Washington said in an interview with Sports Illustrated. “That’s what I call them, ‘opinionaires.’ They’re on all the shows, a bunch of the guys, a couple that have played, but most of them who haven’t who have an opinion about what something should be when they haven’t done it. Those who can, do. Those who can’t, talk about those who can. Those who have know what they’re talking about. Those who haven’t, don’t. Period.”
He continued, “That’s how I feel about that. Too much talking. Too much talking. Everybody got an opinion. Everybody’s sitting around getting fat. You know, thinking they know how to do it. Just ‘cuz you can sit behind a desk and chit chat doesn’t mean you can do a damn thing.”
Sports Illustrated posted a snippet of the interview on Instagram, and the post generated more than 23,000 likes and more than 1,000 comments. Among those who commented included NBA star Kevin Durant, who responded with three fire emojis.
Former NFL star Chad Johnson also subtweeted the SI video and simply left two eye emojis, as if agreeing with Washington’s glorious rant. Two-time Super Bowl winner Damien Woody also left a comment, “Whew 🔥🔥🔥.”
While Washington never specifically mentioned a sports media figure, many deduced the legendary actor’s take is directed at one major ESPN figure.
“He talkin’ to you Steven A… 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂,” one person commented. Another added, “Denzel getting TESTY in his old age. I love it. 😂😂😂😂😂.”
Washington is currently promoting Spike Lee’s latest film, starring Washington, Jeffrey Wright and A$AP Rocky. Washington plays the music mogul David King, who is targeted in a ransom plot.
Highest 2 Lowest will have a limited release in theaters on Friday before it streams Sept. 5 on Apple TV+.
Denzel Washington’s Interview Slamming Sports Media Talking Heads Is Going Viral first appeared on Men’s Journal on Aug 14, 2025
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.yahoo.com ’
