Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart confronted ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith over his past criticism of them and the New York Knicks during a live taping of “The Roommates Show” at Madison Square Garden, where the veteran broadcaster was loudly booed by fans.

The special edition of the podcast came a day after an estimated two million fans filled the streets of Lower Manhattan to celebrate the Knicks’ first NBA championship in 53 years. Proceeds from the sold-out event benefited the Garden of Dreams Foundation, while ESPN simulcast the show.

Brunson and Hart opened the event by bringing the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy onstage, drawing thunderous applause and chants of “M-V-P!” for Brunson. Several guests joined the show, including teammates Karl-Anthony Towns and Miles “Deuce” McBride, Knicks legend Carmelo Anthony, and the hosts’ wives.

However, Smith received a very different reception when he appeared as a surprise guest.

“Are they saying ‘Deuce?’” joked Hart as Smith walked onstage to a chorus of boos.

“They don’t know that boos are cheers,” Smith responded. “Boos are cheers.”

The hostile reaction stemmed from Smith’s previous comments about the Villanova team that won the 2016 NCAA title, which featured future NBA stars Brunson and Hart. He had said, “Villanova doesn’t have a real NBA prospect on this squad.”

Hart later pressed Smith on his remarks.

“We are now sitting here with this golden trophy there to your right,” Hart said. “Can you sit here and admit you were wrong?”

After initially dodging the question, Smith conceded.

“I’m a grown-ass man. I was beyond wrong. I’m apologising to this brother on national television; I’m apologising to you; I’m apologising to the entire Knicks organisation. Let me be very, very clear: I have never been happier to be wrong in my life.”

Despite the apology, Smith added, “So, I apologise for being wrong. But let me be very clear: if it means another championship, I would do it again.”