NABJ Doubles Down On ‘Thumbs Down’ Award For…
Stephen A. Smith is responding back to the National Association of Black Journalists after the group accused the ESPN character of a “recurring public pattern of disparaging prominent Black women” across politics, sports activities and media.
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According to Mediaite, NABJ gave Smith a “Thumbs Down” during its annual conference in Atlanta on Saturday. The purpose: criticizing his public commentary about Black ladies and arguing that it conflicts with the group’s dedication to accountable and inclusive illustration.
Smith responded to the criticism on X, warning NABJ that his own response is coming and claiming he has “shut my mouth for years.”
“This is the epitome of Christmas arriving early,” Smith wrote.
NABJ Criticizes Smith’s Commentary About Black Women
According to Mediaite, NABJ addressed Smith in a video enjoying during its annual conference, accusing the First Take host of repeatedly making remarks about distinguished Black ladies in a destructive fashion.
“Smith has established a recurring public pattern of disparaging commentary directed at prominent Black women across politics, sports, and media,” a narrator said in the video.
NABJ also argued that Smith’s commentary contributes to dangerous representations of Black ladies in conversations involving others outdoors of the group.
“Such commentary reinforces harmful narratives, undermines the fair and respectful representation of Black women in public discourse, and stands in direct conflict with NABJ’s longstanding commitment to accurate, responsible, and inclusive portrayals of Black communities,” the narrator said.
NABJ didn’t cite a particular remark from Smith while issuing the criticism.
Smith, however, shortly made clear that he disagreed with the group’s choice to call him out.
Stephen A. Smith Says His Response Is Coming
Smith responded to NABJ on X and advised that the group’s acts would immediate him to publicly air grievances he has saved quiet about for years.
“This is the epitome of Christmas arriving early,” Smith wrote. “The @NABJ wants to call folks out, fine! You had your turn, now mine is coming. And make no mistake…..,I’m coming.”
Smith also questioned whether or not NABJ itself deserved the excellence it gave him.
“Let’s see who REALLY deserves a Thumbs Down award when it comes to the Black Community, after I say my peace!” Smith wrote. “Remember @NABJ, you asked for it. I’ve shut my mouth for years. Now y’all started something.”
Mediaite Points To Smith’s Jasmine Crockett Feud
While NABJ didn’t establish a particular remark that led to its criticism, Mediaite pointed to Smith’s high-profile feud with Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, in late 2025.
According to Mediaite, Smith criticized Crockett for utilizing what he called “street verbiage” on Capitol Hill.
“This educated, brilliant Black woman, representing over 750,000 people, is engaging in verbiage and rhetoric for the streets!” Smith said. “And that’s fine when you in the streets!”
Smith went on to query whether or not Crockett’s rhetoric was applicable in political negotiations.
“How many of y’all bring the streets to the table when you’re at the negotiating table trying to get a deal done?” Smith said. “How many of you are able to think that for a second that you able to bring street verbiage to Capitol Hill and that’s going to work for you?”
Smith later apologized for the feedback but continued to face criticism across numerous platforms.
Smith And NABJ Were On Different Terms Two Years Ago
The criticism also marks a notable change in Smith’s relationship with NABJ.
According to Mediaite, Smith and the group have been on a lot better phrases two years in the past, when he hosted a live version of First Take on website at the NABJ conference.
Mediaite reported that Smith acquired a heat reception from the viewers during that look.
Smith didn’t present particulars about what his forthcoming response will embody, but his message to NABJ was clear: “Now y’all started something.”
However, NABJ President Errin Haines emphasised the significance to unflinchingly “speak truth to power,” regardless the associated fee or discomfort it brings. At the annual Salute to Excellence Gala, she famous that despite the identify of the award, which was also issued to FCC Chairman Brendan Carr; CBS News; DuJuan McCoy, proprietor and CEO of Circle City Broadcasting/WISH-TV; and The Washington Post, it’s a problem to “do better.”
“So, to everyone whose name was called tonight, hear this award for what I believe it should be: Not simply a thumbs down, but a challenge to do better. The door is open. The conversation is available. The opportunity to change is real, but NABJ will not be silent. Not in this moment. Not on my watch. Because there can be no revolution without accountability. There can be no accountability without courage, and there can be no Black journalism worthy of its history if we are afraid to speak truth to power,” President Haines acknowledged.
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