ESPN's Stephen A. Smith defends Trump from racism allegations: 'He’s not against Black people'

ESPN star sports commentator Stephen A. Smith defended former President Donald Trump from accusations that he’s a racist, saying he’s "not against Black people" during a recent interview. 

ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith defended former President Donald Trump from accusations that he’s a racist, saying Trump's "not against Black people" during a new interview, while reiterating he wouldn't support him in an election.

Smith, known for his brash commentary, claimed that he once had a friendship with Trump, a fellow New Yorker, and that they used to talk sports. Smith spoke fondly of their relationship, saying he "thoroughly enjoyed talking to him," though he did say that he would not vote for Trump for president, claiming that the man has changed since getting into politics.

Smith made his comments during the Semafor Media Summit on Monday.

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During a recent interview with Semafor, ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith defended former President Donald Trump from accusations of racism. (1)Gilbert Carrasquillo/GC Images, 2)James Devaney/GC Images)

In a clip from the interview, Smith claimed that he "knew Trump" before he ran for office. He said, "I thoroughly enjoyed talking to him. He was a huge sports fan."

"He used to throw a lot of events at his casinos and stuff like that and I genuinely liked him," he said. "I didn't know who this guy was, running fo president. Um, I think he's changed."

Trump, a supporter of Democrats politically for decades before becoming a Republican, enjoyed celebrity status in New York and around the country as a real estate mogul and reality television star.

Despite his falling out with Trump, Smith defended the former