Jason Whitlock stoked controversy on his “Fearless” podcast Tuesday by launching into a blistering critique of Stephen Curry‘s involvement in the upcoming Netflix animated series Good Times.
With his usual rhetorical flourish, Whitlock challenged whether the Golden State Warriors star is qualified to take on an executive producer role, while framing the show as symptomatic of a broader cultural shift.
Whitlock played the series trailer during the podcast and swiftly pivoted to its implications, arguing that the modern version of Good Times is “the polar opposite of what the actual show stood for.”
He asserted that Curry is more of a name attached to the project than a substantive contributor.
“Steph Curry, let’s remember who he is, he is son of Dell Curry. A long time NBA player.”
Whitlock went on to explain that Curry was raised by two parents in a stable, suburban environment, and is now an affluent NBA player, the complete opposite of the family life depicted in Good Times.
“Is that what qualifies him to be an executive producer about a black family growing up in the Cabrini-Green project in Chicago?” he said.
“He is the perfect guy to help us do a cartoon about black people living in the Ghetto. What are his qualifications? Or does he just have the willingness to allow his name to be attached to a project like this? He is willing to be installed, he is willing to collect the cheque.”
He suggested that the Warriors star may be lending his name while ceding creative control to others who hold differing visions or agendas.
He claimed, in effect, that Curry‘s life experience might disqualify him from authentically stewarding a narrative about urban Black life, especially one with historical roots.
To many, the sharp tone Whitlock adopted was not surprising. Over the years, he has often positioned himself as a critic of projects or figures he views as co-opted or disconnected from the communities they claim to represent.
But this latest salvo arrives at a delicate intersection of celebrity, race, and cultural production.
Curry, career, and cultural ambitions
Stephen Curry is no stranger to ventures beyond basketball. Over two decades, he has expanded his brand into media, endorsements, and business interests.
His name in the credits of a series like Good Times is consistent with his broader ambition to shape narratives and invest in content.
Yet, as Curry approaches what may be the twilight of his career, his evolving public role invites increased scrutiny. At age 37, he recently admitted in an interview with ESPN’s Malika Andrews,
“No clue. I just know it’s closer than it was even yesterday,” when asked about the prospect of retirement.
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