Stephen A. Smith Denounces NABJ Award as “Personal Hit Job” Over Commentary on Black Women

ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith used his Monday broadcast to assail the National Association of Black Journalists, characterizing their weekend recognition of his work as a coordinated effort to undermine him personally. The organization presented Smith with a “Thumbs Down” award Saturday night at its Atlanta gala, citing what officials described as his habitual disparagement of prominent Black women across multiple sectors.

Smith objected strenuously to the characterization, asserting that the NABJ had abandoned fundamental journalistic principles in making their determination. He contended that no one from the organization contacted him before issuing public criticism, and he disputed their framing of his past remarks about figures including Texas Democratic Representative Jasmine Crockett as inherently derogatory toward Black women generally.

The broadcaster explained that he had attempted to reach out to NABJ President Errin Haines to discuss the matter directly. According to Smith, Haines rebuffed a public conversation in favor of a private discussion, a response he found hypocritical given the organization’s decision to make their criticism public without prior dialogue.

Despite his frustration with specific board members, Smith emphasized his appreciation for the NABJ’s broader mission and sports division. He credited an NABJ job fair more than three decades ago with launching his career and said he would continue supporting the organization’s work with emerging journalists.

The NABJ’s award presentation stated that Smith’s commentary “reinforces harmful narratives” and contradicts the organization’s commitment to responsible representation of Black communities. A Media Research Center editor defended Smith’s response, describing journalist trade groups as disconnected from public sentiment and beholden to ideological priorities.