ESPN host Stephen A. Smith has publicly criticized the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) for presenting him with a "Thumbs Down" award at a recent ceremony. Smith described the award as a "personal hit job" and accused the organization of failing to adhere to journalistic principles in its critique of him.
The award, presented at the NABJ's gala in Atlanta, was given to Smith due to what the organization characterized as his repeated disparagement of prominent Black women. In response, Smith asserted that if the NABJ had strong convictions about his comments, its president, Errin Haines, should have contacted him directly rather than issuing a public reprimand.
Smith speculated that the award stemmed from his past criticisms of high-profile Black female political figures, such as Texas Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett. He stated that he attempted to arrange a conversation with Haines to discuss the allegations, but was offered a private, off-the-air discussion, which he declined.
"Do you know what she said to me, ladies and gentlemen? She'd rather have a private off-the-air conversation first," Smith said. "Oh, really? So you can go on a public platform, denigrate me, make these accusations against me without calling. But when I challenge you to come on here face to face and have a conversation with me, now we want a private conversation before. Nah, I will never speak to her because the deed is done."
Despite his criticism of the award and the decision-making process, Smith acknowledged his career debt to the NABJ, noting his participation in an NABJ job fair over 30 years ago. He emphasized that his remarks were not an indictment of the entire organization or its members, but specifically targeted the board members responsible for the award.
"This is not about the NABJ. This is not an indictment against them. It certainly isn't an indictment against the sports task force filled with a bunch of my brothers that I will always be there for," Smith stated. "And it certainly isn't something that should be held against aspiring journalists and those already in the business who aspire to rise higher. I'm always here. But those few board members who made this decision, it was wrong. It was grossly unfair. And more importantly, it was self-defeating."
The award presentation, a video of which was shared by Washington Association of Black Journalists President Phil Lewis on X, stated that Smith "has established a recurring public pattern of disparaging commentary directed at prominent Black women across politics, sports, and media." The organization added that "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."