Many expected the guilty verdict against Karmelo Anthony to bring the case to a close. Instead, the conversation has intensified after sports commentator Stephen A. Smith publicly questioned why some activists continue to defend Anthony despite the jury's decision.

Stephen A. Smith is holding firm in his stance on the Karmelo Anthony verdict.

The sports commentator and host of the “Straight Shooter” podcast is once again using his platform to call out Anthony supporters directly.

In his most recent episode, he questioned why people continue to challenge the verdict.

split image shows Smith on left, and Anthony on right — Stephen A. Smith recently went on record about the Karmelo Anthony case and said, “Karmelo Anthony murdered Austin Metcalf.” Anthony was convicted of murder and sentenced to 35 years behind bars.

He said, “When we sit up here and we think about the battles that need to be fought, we gotta be mindful of what’s worth fighting for and what’s not worth fighting for.”

oconvicted of murder and sentenced to 35 years behind bars. He fatally stabbed 17-year-old Austin Metcalf at a high school track meet in Texas last year.

In the podcast episode titled “We’re Fighting the Wrong Battle!”, Smith maintained his stance on the verdict.

A folding pocketknife with dark blade and gray handle lying on a surface. — Authorities photographed a folding pocketknife with a dark blade and gray handle used in the murder of Austin Metcalf in Texas.

Karmelo Anthony Supporter Reportedly Fired As Other Backers Face Backlash Over Verdict Remarks

Fox News Digital previously reported the commentator said, “Karmelo Anthony murdered Austin Metcalf. There is no other way to slice it,” in another podcast episode.

While Smith is calling on “viewers to think critically,” activist and founder of the Next Generation Action Network Minister Dominique Alexander started a movement titled “Stand with the Anthony Family.”

In a recent social media post advertising the initiative, Alexander said in part, “It is important that people have access to accurate information, meaningful opportunities to participate, and a way to stay connected to the movement. We cannot allow misinformation, division, or confusion to define this moment.”

Karmelo Anthony handcuffed inside a police vehicle with blood on his left-hand finger. — Karmelo Anthony is photographed handcuffed inside a police vehicle with blood visible on his left-hand finger.

Smith referred to the recent violent spike in deadly shootings that happened over the weekend in Chicago as an example of battles not being fought.

“We can try to fight and fight and fight over that. But you know what? If you’re gonna fight as vigilantly, as diligently over that, how come we not fighting about what’s happening in Chicago? Why we ain’t fighting about that?”

A representative for Smith could not be immediately reached by Fox News Digital.

Fox News Digital has reached out to Alexander, who has been acting as a spokesperson for the Anthony family, but did not immediately hear back.