Famous comedian reveals Rickey Smiley once bailed him out of jail: 'I will always love that dude for that'

{TheChronicle.cc} –Alabama-born comedian Rickey Smiley was a topic of discussion once again on Shannon Sharpe’s popular podcast “Club Shay Shay,” this time with guest and fellow standup comedian Lavell Crawford.

During their extensive conversation, the Grammy-nominated actor and comedian, known for his roles in “Breaking Bad” and “The Ridiculous 6,” mentioned that many comedians don’t give him credit until Sharpe brought up Smiley’s name.

“You can’t deny me,” Crawford declared. “I’m undeniable.”

Sharpe responded, “Rickey [Smiley] gave you love!”

Crawford humorously retorted, "F--k Rickey Smiley!" He joked that the Birmingham native always "throws his life in my face," which made the former NFL player laugh.

“Let me tell you something about Rickey,” Crawford continued, reflecting on their friendship. “Me and Rickey have been friends since before he had his millions and I had my money.”

Crawford then shared a story with Sharpe about a time he ended up in jail after not getting paid for a comedy club gig in Oklahoma City. According to Crawford, the club promoter owed him $1,500 but only threw $200 in his face. In retaliation, Crawford hit the promoter with a pool stick, knocking him unconscious.

The situation escalated when Crawford met with the promoter’s crew to resolve the issue, leading to another physical altercation right in front of police officers, resulting in his arrest.

Crawford explained that Smiley's repeated phone calls to his cell influenced the police to release him.

“Thank God for Sprint that day, because they usually drop calls,” Crawford joked.

The police agreed to let Crawford go, provided he calmed down, after recognizing Smiley’s name.

Crawford revealed that Smiley vouched for him and even offered him a $1,500 gig in Birmingham to make up for the lost money.

“Rickey Smiley flew me down there, and even though it wasn’t a sold-out show, he paid me $1,500 to perform,” Crawford said. “I appreciated Rickey Smiley because I got my $1,500 back in one night, one show. And I always love that dude for that.”

Born in St. Louis, Crawford began his standup career in 1990 and frequently appeared on BET’s “ComicView.” He was a contestant on NBC’s “Last Comic Standing” in 2007 and has notable acting roles in “Breaking Bad” and its spinoff “Better Call Saul.” He has also appeared in shows like “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” “Tosh.0,” and “The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore.”

Smiley previously appeared on “Club Shay Shay” in February 2023, discussing his career and personal life. The Birmingham comedian also came up during standup comedian Katt Williams’ viral appearance earlier this year when Williams criticized Smiley for comments about “Friday After Next,” a comedy sequel they both starred in with Ice Cube in 2000.

Williams, who debuted as the character Money Mike in the movie, claimed Smiley was wrong for telling Sharpe their roles were originally supposed to be reversed. On “The Rickey Smiley Morning Show,” Smiley clarified that while he was initially meant to play Money Mike, he believed Williams was ultimately the better choice.