BS BULLETIN
- The National Association of Black Journalists accused Stephen A. Smith of a “recurring public pattern” of disparaging prominent Black women.
- Smith fired back: “I’ve shut my mouth for years. Now y’all started something.”
- The feud is especially striking because NABJ welcomed Smith and ESPN’s First Take to its 2024 convention.
Stephen A. Smith has spent decades making a very comfortable living saying exactly what he thinks.
Now the National Association of Black Journalists has decided some of those thoughts deserve a public rebuke — and Smith is promising that the organization may soon regret opening that particular door.
NABJ gave the ESPN First Take star one of its “Thumbs Down” awards Saturday night during its Salute to Excellence gala at the organization’s annual convention in Atlanta. The group accused Smith of a pattern of unfair commentary about prominent Black women.
“Smith has established a recurring public pattern of disparaging commentary directed at prominent Black women across politics, sports, and media,” a narrator said in a video played during the ceremony.
The criticism went further, arguing that Smith’s commentary “reinforces harmful narratives” and conflicts with NABJ’s commitment to “accurate, responsible, and inclusive portrayals of Black communities.”
Stephen A. did not exactly respond with a thank-you note. “This is the epitome of Christmas arriving early,” Smith wrote on X.
“The @NABJ wants to call folks out, fine! You had your turn, now mine is coming.” Then came the warning. “I’ve shut my mouth for years. Now y’all started something.”
Smith also promised to examine who “REALLY deserves a Thumbs Down award” when it comes to the Black community. Fox News reported Sunday that Smith framed the award as the opening salvo in what could become a much broader fight with the organization.
And there may be plenty for him to talk about. NABJ didn’t single out Smith alone. The organization handed out a record five Thumbs Down awards this year, with FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, CBS, The Washington Post and media executive DuJuan McCoy also among the recipients.
But the Smith rebuke is particularly fascinating because the relationship between Stephen A. and NABJ wasn’t always this frosty. Just two years ago, NABJ enthusiastically promoted a live edition of First Take from its 2024 Chicago convention, calling it an “exciting live taping” and a “can’t-miss opportunity” for attendees to see Smith and then-cohost Molly Qerim.
ESPN likewise promoted Smith’s appearance at the convention, where First Take broadcast for two hours before an audience of NABJ attendees. And Smith wasn’t shy about praising NABJ while he was there. Asked about the organization’s importance, Smith called it “pivotal,” saying gatherings like the convention reminded journalists about “what togetherness is all about” and “how there’s strength in numbers and unity.”
My, what a difference two years makes.
NABJ did not cite specific Smith comments during its award presentation, according to multiple reports, but one of the most obvious flashpoints has been his public feud with Democratic Texas Rep. Jasmine Crockett. Smith ripped Crockett in late 2025 over her rhetorical style, arguing that the congresswoman was bringing “street verbiage” to Capitol Hill. “This educated, brilliant Black woman, representing over 750,000 people, is engaging in verbiage and rhetoric for the streets!” Smith said at the time.
He subsequently apologized, saying he understood why the remarks offended Crockett and others.
But Crockett is hardly the only prominent Democrat Smith has been willing to criticize. As Smith has expanded beyond sports and increasingly ventured into politics, he has frequently rejected the idea that racial solidarity requires political conformity — putting him at odds with some voices on the Left.
Now that fight has landed squarely inside an organization dedicated to Black journalists. And judging from Smith’s response, round one may have only just ended.
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. Let’s see who REALLY deserves a Thumbs Down award when it comes to the Black Community, afterI say my peace!… https://t.co/ccE03ksAO1
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) August 16, 2026
DBS WIRE SOURCES:
- Fox News — Stephen A. Smith warns national Black journalists group ‘I’m coming’ after receiving ‘Thumbs Down’ award
- Mediaite — Stephen A. Smith fumes after NABJ accuses him of ‘pattern of disparaging’ Black women
- TheWrap — Stephen A. Smith receives NABJ’s Thumbs Down award for ‘disparaging commentary’ of Black women
- HBCU Sports — Stephen A. Smith gets NABJ’s Thumbs Down Award — and fires back
- NABJ — ESPN’s First Take live at the 2024 NABJ Convention featuring Stephen A. Smith
