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ESPN personality and political analyst Stephen A. Smith declared Sunday that he intends to take action against the National Association of Black Journalists following the organization’s decision to present him with a “Thumbs Down” award during its Saturday evening gala in Atlanta. The group cited Smith’s pattern of what it described as derogatory remarks directed at prominent Black women across multiple sectors including politics, sports, and journalism.
Smith responded immediately on social media, characterizing the honor as an opening salvo in a larger conflict with NABJ. “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,” he wrote in a post on X, adding that he had refrained from public criticism of the organization for years before deciding to respond.
The NABJ presented the disparaging distinction during its Salute to Excellence Awards Gala, which also recognized FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, CBS News, DuJuan McCoy of Circle City Broadcasting and WISH-TV, and The Washington Post for similar concerns. According to the organization’s criteria, the annual award targets individuals or entities responsible for insensitive, racist, or stereotypical coverage of Black communities.
NABJ President Errin Haines stated during the presentation that recipients had opportunities to engage in dialogue and modify their behavior. “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.
Conservative media analyst Curtis Houck from the Media Research Center criticized NABJ’s decision, suggesting the award reflected a broader divide between journalism organizations and the general public. Democratic strategist Ameshia Cross, who attended the ceremony, also questioned the presentation’s appropriateness on social media.
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