**Fans Tell Stephen A. Smith to “Stay off the Weed” for Suggesting Commanders Share Stadium with Rivals**
Stephen A. Smith is no stranger to making bold, controversial statements on ESPN’s *First Take*, but his latest suggestion about the Washington Commanders has fans questioning his sanity—and even his sobriety. During a recent segment, Smith proposed that the Commanders should consider sharing a stadium with their NFC East rivals, the Baltimore Ravens, as a cost-saving measure while the franchise builds its new home. The reaction from fans was immediate and brutal, with many jokingly telling the outspoken analyst to “stay off the weed” for floating such a ludicrous idea.
The Commanders are currently in the process of planning a new stadium to replace the outdated FedExField, which has long been criticized for its poor fan experience, traffic nightmares, and lack of modern amenities. Team owner Josh Harris has made it clear that a state-of-the-art venue is a priority, with potential locations in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia all under consideration. But in true Stephen A. fashion, he decided to throw a curveball into the conversation by suggesting that Washington should temporarily share M&T Bank Stadium with the Ravens—a team that, while not a division rival, is still a bitter regional adversary.
The backlash was swift. Commanders fans, already sensitive after decades of dysfunction under previous ownership, were not having it. Sharing a stadium with the Ravens, even temporarily, would be a tough pill to swallow. The two franchises have a complicated relationship, with Baltimore’s fan base often looking down on Washington as the lesser team in the region. The idea of the Commanders playing in their rival’s backyard—wearing their colors, walking their halls, and essentially borrowing their home—felt like an unnecessary humiliation. Social media erupted with memes, jokes, and outright dismissals of Smith’s take, with many fans accusing him of being high for even considering it.
One fan tweeted, *“Stephen A. must’ve been hitting that good stuff if he thinks Commanders fans would ever accept playing in Baltimore’s house. Stay off the weed, my guy.”* Another added, *“Sharing a stadium with the Ravens? Might as well ask us to wear purple and cheer for Lamar while we’re at it. Hell no.”* The sentiment was clear: this wasn’t just a bad idea—it was borderline blasphemous.
Beyond the emotional reaction, there are practical reasons why Smith’s suggestion doesn’t hold up. First, the logistics of NFL stadium sharing are far more complicated than they might seem. Scheduling alone would be a nightmare, with both teams needing to accommodate home games, practices, and other events without conflict. Then there’s the issue of branding—imagine the Commanders having to cover up Ravens logos or adjust their own aesthetics just to make the stadium feel somewhat like home. Most importantly, the financial aspect isn’t as simple as Smith made it seem. The Commanders are looking to establish their own identity and revenue streams, not split profits with another organization.
Stephen A. Smith is known for his hot takes, and sometimes it feels like he leans into outrageous statements just to stir the pot. But this one struck a nerve because it touched on a sore subject for Commanders fans: respect. After years of being the laughingstock of the NFL under Dan Snyder, the fan base is desperate for a fresh start—one that doesn’t involve bowing to their regional rivals. The mere suggestion of sharing a stadium with Baltimore felt like a step backward, a reminder of the team’s struggles rather than a forward-thinking solution.
Of course, stadium sharing isn’t unheard of in the NFL. The Jets and Giants have coexisted in MetLife Stadium for years, and the Rams and Chargers both called the LA Coliseum home before SoFi Stadium was completed. But those situations are different. The New York teams have a shared market and a mutual understanding, while the L.A. teams were both newcomers rebuilding their fan bases. The Commanders and Ravens, on the other hand, have distinct identities and territorial pride. Forcing them together, even temporarily, would be like mixing oil and water.
Smith’s take also ignores the deeper issue at play: the Commanders need their own stadium not just for practicality, but for symbolism. A new venue represents a new era—one free from the shadow of Snyder’s disastrous tenure. Playing in someone else’s house, especially a rival’s, would undermine that fresh start. Josh Harris knows this, which is why he’s focused on securing a permanent home that the franchise can call its own.
In the end, Stephen A. Smith’s suggestion was less about practicality and more about generating headlines. And in that regard, he succeeded. But for Commanders fans, the idea was nothing short of ridiculous. The team has suffered enough indignities over the years; playing second fiddle in Baltimore’s stadium shouldn’t be added to the list.
So, Stephen A., if you’re reading this: next time you feel the urge to suggest something this wild, maybe take a step back and ask yourself if it’s the weed talking. Because Commanders fans sure think so.
