Stephen A. Smith gets NABJ’s Thumbs Down Award — and fires back

Stephen A. Smith has built a career on being unapologetically direct.

Now, after receiving the National Association of Black Journalists’ Thumbs Down Award, the ESPN personality promises his response will be just as loud.

NABJ presented Smith with the award during its annual convention in Atlanta, citing what it described as a “recurring public pattern of disparaging commentary directed at prominent Black women across politics, sports and media.”

The organization said that pattern reinforces harmful narratives and conflicts with its commitment to fair, accurate, and inclusive portrayals of Black communities.

Why NABJ called out Stephen A. Smith

The Thumbs Down Award is not a recognition anyone wants on their résumé.

NABJ reserves the distinction for people or organizations it believes have engaged in insensitive, racist, stereotypical, or otherwise harmful reporting and commentary involving the Black community. In Smith’s case, the organization focused on his public commentary about Black women who hold prominent roles across politics, sports, and media.

“Smith has established a recurring public pattern of disparaging commentary directed at prominent Black women across politics, sports, and media,” the organization said on Saturday. “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.”

Smith,  who is a graduate of Winston-Salem State, has been a barrier-breaking figure in sports journalism. He has moved from newspaper reporting into radio, television, podcasting, and broader cultural commentary while becoming one of ESPN’s most recognizable voices.

He has also used his platform at times to advocate for Black athletes, Black coaches, HBCUs, and greater representation in the industry.

But NABJ’s action makes clear that professional accomplishments do not place a public figure above criticism.

Stephen A. Smith responds

Smith did not accept the award quietly.

In a sharply worded post on X, Smith described the situation as “the epitome of Christmas arriving early” before putting NABJ on notice.

“The @NABJ wants to call folks out, fine! You had your turn, now mine is coming. And make no mistake…..,I’m coming.”

Smith went further, suggesting he plans to challenge NABJ publicly and raise issues he says he has kept to himself for years.

“Let’s see who REALLY deserves a Thumbs Down award when it comes to the Black Community, after I say my peace! Remember @NABJ, you asked for it. I’ve shut my mouth for years. Now y’all started something.”

Smith did not specify what concerns he intends to raise about the organization in his initial response. But his wording leaves little doubt that he sees the award as the beginning of a broader dispute, not the end of one.