Stephen A. Smith was not feeling the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) giving him the “Thumbs Down” award from the organization over the weekend. The ESPN commentator called the organization’s move “highly offensive.”
“I’m calling them out for it, because it makes no sense whatsoever,” he told NewsNation’s Chris Cuomo on Monday. “There’s no truth to what they’re claiming, and it’s highly offensive.”
“You have a few people as members of the board that made a decision that, as far as I’m concerned, besmirched the entire organization,” Smith continued.
The organization described Smith’s commentary as a “recurring public pattern of disparaging commentary directed at prominent Black women across politics, sports, and media”. Given annually to hold public figures and media institutions accountable for actions harmful to Black journalists and communities, the award targeted Smith’s expanding platform across ESPN, his podcast, and political commentary.
After Smith’s response, the NABJ stood ten toes down on its decision.
“NABJ stands by its 2026 Thumbs Down Awards and the concerns raised regarding the individuals and institutions recognized this year,” the NABJ’s statement read,
NABJ also confirmed that Smith’s rep contacted NABJ President Errin Haines to “begin with a private conversation focused on listening, accountability and meaningful dialogue, with the opportunity for public engagement to follow.”
“I was raised by Black women. I have two daughters, I have 10 nieces, and I have four older sisters,” he said. “What the hell are they talking about?”
STEPHEN A . SMITH REFUSES TO BACK DOWN
Appearing on Hanity, Smith doubled down on his stance.
“If anything, they made me more intense; they made me more adamant in my position,” Smith said. “And the manner in which I’m going to go about doing what I do.
“I don’t back up, and nobody will intimidate me from being who I am. And that is a fair-minded individual who calls balls and strikes, and is going to be fair to both sides in the aisle no matter what the hell they say,” he continued. “I’m not backing up one inch; as far as I’m concerned, all they’ve done is stir me up.”
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