ESPN host and political commentator Stephen A.Smith vowed Sunday to confront the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) after it gave him a "Thumbs Down" award at the group's Saturday night gala in Atlanta because of what it characterized as his repeated disparagement of prominent Black women.Smith framed the award as the beginning of a broader dispute with the organization."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," Smith said in a post on X.SPN reporter and analyst Stephen A.
Smith is seen on the set of "First Take" on February 6, 2026 in San Francisco, California.(Aaron M.
Sprecher/Getty Images)WILL CAIN CHALLENGES STEPHEN A SMITH ON 'RACIST' CLAIM ABOUT 'WHITE DUDES' IN THE NBASmith also indicated that he planned to scrutinize NABJ's own record after remaining silent about the organization for years."Remember @NABJ, you asked for it.I’ve shut my mouth for years.
Now y’all started something," Smith said.The NABJ announced the decision during its Salute to Excellence Awards Gala at the organization's annual convention.A video of the presentation was shared by Washington Association of Black Journalists President Phil Lewis.
Lewis also said that the NABJ presented the disparaging award to FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, CBS News, DuJuan McCoy, owner and CEO of Circle City Broadcasting and WISH-TV, and The Washington Post."Smith has established a recurring public pattern of disparaging commentary directed at prominent Black women across politics, sports, and media," the award presentation said.Stephen A.Smith arrives for the 27th Mark Twain Prize for American Humor Gala at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, on June 28, 2026.
(AFP via Getty Images)PAIGE BUECKERS SPARKS DEBATE WITH COMMENTS ABOUT BLACK WOMEN WNBA COACHES AMID CAITLIN CLARK COMPARISONS"Such commentary reinforces harmful narratives, undermines the fair and respec...