Stephen A. Smith calls 'Thumbs Down' award by Black journalist group a 'hit job'

See more from the L.A.Times in Google Search.

Set us as preferred Stephen A.Smith fired back at the National Assn.

of Black Journalists on Monday, calling its decision to give him a “Thumbs Down” award, because of his consistent criticism of Black female politicians, a political and “personal hit job.”In a 44-minute address on his YouTube channel, the outspoken sports commentator said that while he was “far from perfect and ...will always try to do better on behalf of my community and for the journalism community and beyond, that does not negate the bulls— that the NABJ did.”He added, “I’ve received a lot of insults in my day, but that might be the lowest.”Smith said that the award, which was given Saturday at the organization’s gala, had nothing to do with journalism, attributing the dishonor to board members unhappy with his political opinions.

“They did not engage in journalism when it came to critiquing me,” he said.“People are scared,” he added, calling himself a registered independent.“See, I talk too much and I don’t speak glowingly enough about the Democratic party.” He called out NABJ President Errin Haines, who is editor-at-large for the nonprofit news outlet the 19th, saying she and other board members did not reach out.“What you did to me was beneath the organization,” Smith said.He said he invited Haines to discuss the award on the air but she declined, saying she would prefer a private conversation off the air.

Television The outspoken commentator on sports and news got a “Thumbs Down “ from the National Assn.of Black Journalists for his criticism of Black women in politics.The NABJ pushed back on Smith‘s account of the conversation.

“President Haines welcomed the opportunity to speak with Mr.Smith and proposed that they begin with a private conversation focused on listening, accountability and meaningful dialogue, with the opportunity for public engagement to follow,” it said Monday ...