In February, ESPN talking head Stephen A. Smith made a dubious claim about former Ohio State quarterback Dwayne Haskins when talking about NFL draft prospects.

When discussing the first-round prospect on “First Take,” Smith criticized Haskins for being “more of a runner than a thrower.”

“Dwayne Haskins is more of a runner than a thrower”

Dwayne Haskins Stats:

Passing - 4,831 yards and 50 TDs

Rushing - 108 yards 4 TDs pic.twitter.com/vYbqESep5U — Snacks Curry (@DoubleVodkaDon) February 8, 2019

“He can make all the requisite throws on the NFL level,” Smith said. “He played for a big-time program at Ohio State. I just find him to be more of a runner than a thrower. I could be wrong about that, but that’s what I find.”

It turns out he was wrong about that.

Haskins’ prolific passing résumé

During his sophomore season as the Buckeyes starter, Haskins completed 70 percent of his passes for 4,831 yards and 50 touchdowns while averaging 9.1 yards per attempt.

It was a campaign that saw him break Curtis Painter’s Big Ten single-season record for passing yardage and Drew Brees’ single-season record for passing touchdowns.

That same season, he rushed 79 times for 108 yards. That adds up to a 1.4-yard rushing average.

When faced with Dwayne Haskins in person, Stephen A. Smith apologized for his very bad take. (Getty) More

Smith cites Haskins’ ‘athleticism’

With those numbers, why would Smith suggest that Haskins is a better runner than passer? You’d have to ask Smith.

For a moment, he attempted to defend his take, citing Haskins’ “athleticism” on Twitter.

Why? Because I believe what I believe? I know Haskins is a baller. That he threw for 50 TD’s last year. But I view his athleticism as more of a plus (I.e. scrambling outside the pocket, etc.) I don’t view him as an ideal pocket passer, nor the runner than Kyler is. Period! https://t.co/9u6GZxnuYg — Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) February 8, 2019

Smith doubles down

Defeated on Twitter, Smith stood his ground, choosing to double down on his mistake.

Haaaaa! Now that’s a good comeback. But we shall see. Haskins wants to throw. I know this. Also know he’s nowhere near the athlete J.T.Barrett was. But I’ve got to see him be that pocket passer that everyone swears he is on the NFL. That’s just ME. We shall see. https://t.co/gtEcW0n0if — Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) February 8, 2019

But the claim continued to draw appropriate scrutiny, as Smith’s false takes have tended to do lately.

Haskins took it in stride with a well-played meme on Twitter.

Run or throw Ima still win the game 🤷‍♂️ pic.twitter.com/lzDd8iSg8Y — Dwayne Haskins, Jr🌹 (@dh_simba7) February 8, 2019

Smith’s mea culpa

On Friday, Haskins made an appearance on “First Take.” Faced with Haskins in person, Smith finally conceded that he may have gotten this one wrong.

With Dwayne Haskins in studio on First Take, Stephen A says he went back and watched the tape, and that he was an 'ignorant fool' in his past Haskins analysis pic.twitter.com/AVkIoRocz9 — Ryan Glasspiegel (@sportsrapport) April 19, 2019

“I just want to say welcome to the show. My apologies for being so ignorant about you. He was on the money with you,” Smith said, pointing to co-host Max Kellerman.

“Me, I was an ignorant fool. I had to go back and watch the tapes. My bad.”

It took him a while to get there, but Smith finally reached the proper conclusion on addressing his bad take.

For that, he should be applauded?

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