A dispute that began with criticism of Ayesha Curry has escalated into a public clash between former FOX NFL analyst Emmanuel Acho and retired NBA guard Nick Young. Both men had previously apologized to Stephen Curry and his wife after their comments about Ayesha drew a response from the Golden State Warriors star. Young later took aim at Acho on X, prompting Acho to answer with a lengthy rant on his *Speakeasy* podcast.
The disagreement came after Acho, Young, and former NBA guard Gilbert Arenas criticized Ayesha over a kissing scene in her Christmas film, *Second Chance Holiday*. Stephen Curry objected to the comments, saying they reflected a broader issue about how women are judged and what they are allowed to do.
“When you try to step on the accomplishments of my wife … kind of speaks to a bigger conversation on how you view women in this world and what they’re allowed and what they’re not allowed to do,” Curry said. “I tried to laugh this one off, but something needs to be said.”
### The apologies
Young was quick to apologize to Curry. In his response, he said, “Steph, I’m sorry, man,” and added that he would apologize if he had said anything hurtful. He also expressed affection for Curry, calling him a friend.
Arenas apologized afterward. He said he was sorry if his remarks had offended anyone and explained that he had intended to describe Curry as a “perfect dude.” Arenas had previously called Ayesha the only “blemish” in the Curry family. He later said he meant her words—not Ayesha herself—were the blemish.
Acho also issued an apology. He said that when someone humbly asks for an apology, the appropriate response is to say, “I’m sorry.” He apologized to Curry for offending him and for potentially offending Ayesha, adding that he was sorry for how the public discussion and headlines might have affected Curry as he saw his wife being criticized.
The apologies appeared to close the dispute involving the Curry family. However, Young’s later post brought Acho back into the conversation.
### Young’s post prompts Acho’s response
Young wrote on X: “Gil we wash man it’s ova … when we mention anytime in anything with EMMANUEL ACHO … we Done !!!!” The post mocked Acho and suggested Young did not want to be associated with him.
Acho responded on *Speakeasy*, addressing Young directly. He said that being associated with Young would be damaging to his character and compared their respective careers, arguing that Arenas was a better basketball player than Young and that he was a better television personality. Acho also questioned Young’s identity and standing.
Acho continued with personal remarks, telling Young that he did not look healthy and suggesting he spend time in a steam room or sauna. The podcast response ran for about seven minutes, with Acho criticizing Young and asking why he objected to being mentioned alongside him.
Acho also pointed to his own professional accomplishments, saying he had written four books, including New York Times bestsellers. His comments turned the exchange into a broader personal argument, rather than a continuation of the original discussion about Ayesha Curry.
### From criticism to a feud
The dispute has unfolded in several stages: criticism of Ayesha’s role in a film, Stephen Curry’s public response, apologies from Young, Arenas, and Acho, and then Young’s social-media jab at Acho. Acho’s podcast response has now shifted attention away from the Curry family and toward the disagreement between the two former athletes and broadcasters.
Acho was among several hosts let go by FOX Sports during a programming shakeup in July of the previous year. He later launched *Speakeasy*, which has more than 2.6 million YouTube subscribers. It was on that podcast that he delivered his extended reply to Young.
What began as criticism directed at Ayesha Curry has therefore produced a separate public clash between Young and Acho, with both men now trading remarks after the earlier controversy appeared to have been resolved.
