Stephen A. Smith Accuses NABJ of 'Personal Hit Job': 'Folks Are Scared'
NABJ issued its most Thumbs Down Awards ever, citing a pattern of comments it said were harmful to Black journalists and public accountability.
- The National Association of Black Journalists presented ESPN host Stephen A. Smith with a Thumbs Down Award on Saturday in Atlanta, citing a recurring public pattern of disparaging commentary directed at prominent Black women across politics, sports, and media.
- NABJ President Errin Haines described the honor, issued 44 times since inception, as a tool to hold public figures accountable when actions harm Black journalists; the organization also recognized CBS News and The Washington Post.
- On Monday, Smith pushed back against the decision, calling it a "personal hit job" and insisting he was raised by Black women, arguing the critique stems from his independent political views rather than disrespect for women of color.
- President Haines stated the organization remains open to meaningful engagement, though Smith claimed board members did not reach out; he invited Haines to discuss the award publicly while she preferred private conversation.
- Despite the tension, Smith urged continued support for the NABJ as he prepares for induction into the Broadcasting+Cable Hall of Fame next month, while the organization continues its 51-year mission defending press freedom and Black journalists.
28 Articles
28 Articles
“A Smear Job”: Stephen A. Smith Calls Out Forces Behind His “Thumbs Down” Award From National Association of Black Journalists
ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith, a 33-year journalism veteran, is now trading barbs with the very organization that once celebrated him. His latest target is the National Association of Black Journalists. Smith is accusing the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) of orchestrating a smear campaign after the group gave him its “Thumbs Down” award at its Atlanta convention. And he did not hold back when addressing the backlash on his Stra…
Stephen A. Smith gets punished by black journalists — and says he knows exactly why
Stephen A. Smith declared, “Folks are scared,” in response to a negative accolade from the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) for his alleged “recurring public pattern” […]
Stephen A. Smith gets punished by black journalists — and says he knows exactly why · American Wire News
Stephen A. Smith declared, “Folks are scared,” in response to a negative accolade from the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) for his alleged “recurring public pattern” of disparagement. (Video Credit: Stephen A. Smith) Over the weekend, the NABJ hosted its Salute to Excellence Awards Gala, highlighting the work of professional and collegiate journalists. The same ceremony decided to slight the renowned sports commentator for past…
Stephen A. Smith Went Crying To White People Because The Black People Were ‘Mean’ To Him [Op-Ed]
Source: Fox News / Screenshot Welp, Stephen A. Smith has made good on his promise to respond to the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) giving him its 2026 Thumbs Down Award during its annual conference in Atlanta last week. NABJ said that Smith earned this award because he “has established a recurring public pattern of disparaging commentary directed at prominent Black women across politics, sports, and media,” and to that, Smith’s…
Stephen A. Smith Trashes NABJ For Giving Him The “Thumbs Down Award”
Stephen A. Smith has never been the type to quietly accept criticism. So when the National Association of Black Journalists handed him a “Thumbs Down Award,” Smith did what Smith does best. He grabbed the microphone. During a special edition of his SiriusXM show Straight Shooter, Smith fired back at the NABJ after the organization recognized him during its annual convention in Atlanta on Saturday. I wonder if Stephen A. Smith is mad about this.…
Stephen A. Smith Warns NABJ Will ‘Regret’ Giving Him ‘Thumbs Down’ Award: ‘They've Made Me More Intense’
ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith sounded off on the National Association of Black Journalists’ decision to give him the “Thumbs Down” award, noting the organization will “regret” it. During a Monday appearance on Fox News’ “Hannity,” Smith weighed in on the snub from the NABJ, which he was given for his alleged “recurring public pattern of disparaging commentary directed at prominent Black women across politics, sports and media.” However, Smith fe…
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