Stephen A. Smith Responds to NABJ’s ‘Thumbs Down’ Award

ESPN host and political commentator Stephen A. Smith announced on Sunday his intention to confront the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ). The organization recently awarded him a ‘Thumbs Down’ honor at its Saturday night gala in Atlanta, citing his repeated negative remarks about prominent Black women.

Smith reacted strongly to the award, perceiving it as the start of a larger conflict with the group.

This is the epitome of Christmas arriving early. The @NABJ wants to call folks out, fine! You had your turn, now mine is coming. And make no mistake, I’m coming, Smith expressed on social media.

He also stated his intention to examine NABJ’s own record, highlighting his silence on the organization for years.

Remember @NABJ, you asked for it. I’ve shut my mouth for years. Now y’all started something, Smith continued.

The NABJ made the announcement during its Salute to Excellence Awards Gala, part of its annual convention. Phil Lewis, President of the Washington Association of Black Journalists, shared the presentation video.

Alongside Smith, the award was given to FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, CBS News, DuJuan McCoy, owner of Circle City Broadcasting and WISH-TV, and The Washington Post.

The NABJ stated that Smith has consistently made public comments disparaging notable Black women in politics, sports, and media.

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 organization noted.

The NABJ’s criteria for the award target those responsible for insensitive, racist, or stereotypical coverage or commentary about the Black community. The videos did not specify any particular comments or individuals involved in Smith’s case.

Errin Haines, NABJ President, emphasized that recipients can respond to criticism and consider behavioral changes. However, the organization intends to remain outspoken.

The door is open. The conversation is available, and the opportunity to change is real. But NABJ will not be silent. Not in this moment, and not on my watch, Haines declared during the presentation.

In response, Curtis Houck, editor for the conservative Media Research Center, criticized the award, suggesting it demonstrated a disconnect between journalism organizations and the public.

This charade is further proof these so-called journalist trade groups are an absolute scam. They exist to keep Woke 1 alive, and illuminate the reality elitist journalists are wildly disconnected from the rest of the country, Houck said.

He commended Smith for his directness, noting Smith’s reputation for critiquing all sides when necessary, a practice Houck suggests NABJ should adopt.

Meanwhile, Democratic strategist Ameshia Cross, present at the awards dinner, offered her critique on social media.

I think NABJ wanted to trend again because that was messy for no damn reason, Cross stated. I left the awards dinner, which was otherwise a ceremony dedicated to great journalism across multiple regions and descended into petty…with thousands of unemployed Black folk in the field.

CJ Womack, an associate editor at Fox News, has commented on the situation, emphasizing the role of journalism in shaping politics and culture. Womack, an alumnus of Long Beach State University, holds a degree in Political Science and Journalism.