ESPN host and political commentator Stephen A. Smith has vowed to confront the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) after the organization presented him with its "Thumbs Down" award. The award, given at the NABJ's annual gala in Atlanta, cited Smith's alleged repeated disparagement of prominent Black women.
Smith, in a post on X, framed the award as a provocation. "This is the epitome of Christmas arriving early," he wrote. "The @NABJ wants to call folks out, fine! You had your turn, now mine is coming. And make no mistake…..,I’m coming."
He also indicated plans to scrutinize the NABJ's past actions, stating, "Remember @NABJ, you asked for it. I’ve shut my mouth for years. Now y’all started something."
The NABJ presented the award during its Salute to Excellence Awards Gala. According to a presentation video shared by Washington Association of Black Journalists President Phil Lewis, the award was given due to Smith establishing "a recurring public pattern of disparaging commentary directed at prominent Black women across politics, sports, and media." The NABJ stated 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."
The award's criteria state it is given to individuals or organizations responsible for "insensitive, racist or stereotypical coverage or commentary about the Black community, or practices contrary to NABJ's goals." The specific remarks or women cited in Smith's case were not detailed in the available report.
NABJ President Errin Haines, speaking at the presentation, stated that recipients have the opportunity to respond and change their conduct, but that the organization would continue to speak out. "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 said.
Other recipients of the "Thumbs Down" award included FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, CBS News, DuJuan McCoy (owner and CEO of Circle City Broadcasting and WISH-TV), and The Washington Post.
Some observers have criticized the NABJ's decision. Curtis Houck, managing editor for the Media Research Center's NewsBusters, called the award a "charade" and proof that "journalist trade groups are an absolute scam" that are disconnected from the public. Ameshia Cross, a Democratic strategist who attended the dinner, described the presentation as "messy for no damn reason" and a descent into pettiness that detracted from the ceremony's focus on honoring journalism.