‘It’s a Hit Job’: Stephen A. Smith Torches NABJ Award
Stephen A. Smith vs. NABJ: The "Thumbs Down" Award Controversy Explained Simply
What Happened?
Imagine getting a "bad grade" from a group you respect—and then telling the whole world you think the grade is unfair. That’s basically what happened between sports commentator Stephen A. Smith and the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ).
Important Callout
The NABJ is a professional organization that supports Black journalists and fights for fair media coverage of Black communities. They’ve been around since 1975.
The Timeline: Step by Step
- Saturday Night — At their annual gala, NABJ hands out a "Thumbs Down" award to Stephen A. Smith.
- Monday Morning — Smith posts a 44-minute YouTube video firing back, calling it a "political and personal hit job."
- Monday Afternoon — NABJ releases a statement defending their decision and clarifying what happened.
- Ongoing — Both sides share their perspectives on social media and in interviews.
Why Did NABJ Give Smith the Award?
According to NABJ, Smith has shown a "recurring public pattern" of negative commentary directed at prominent Black women across:
- Politics (e.g., Rep. Jasmine Crockett, former VP Kamala Harris, former First Lady Michelle Obama)
- Sports (e.g., tennis star Serena Williams)
- Media
Important Callout
NABJ says this kind of commentary "reinforces harmful narratives" and goes against their mission of "accurate, responsible and inclusive portrayals of Black communities."
Smith’s Defense: What He Says
In his YouTube response, Smith made several key points:
His Main Arguments
- "It’s political, not journalistic" — He believes board members are upset because he’s a registered Independent who criticizes Democrats and doesn’t "speak glowingly enough about the Democratic party."
- "I support Black women" — He says Black women have been his "strength," "source of inspiration," and the foundation of everything he’s achieved.
- "Double standard" — He argues he wouldn’t be targeted if he made similar comments about conservative figures.
- "NABJ used to love me" — He points out that NABJ hosted live broadcasts of his show First Take at their 2024 and 2025 conventions.
- "Hall of Fame incoming" — He notes he’s about to be inducted into the Broadcasting+Cable Hall of Fame.
NABJ’s Response: What They Say
NABJ pushed back on several of Smith’s claims:
Key Points from Their Statement
| Smith’s Claim | NABJ’s Response |
|---|---|
| President Errin Haines "declined" to come on his show | Haines welcomed the conversation but suggested starting privately with "listening, accountability and meaningful dialogue" — with public talk to follow |
| The award is a "hit job" | The award is about accountability, not "permanent condemnation" |
| It’s political targeting | The award has gone to 44 recipients since 1989 — both Black and non-Black individuals and institutions |
Important Callout
Other 2026 "Thumbs Down" recipients included: FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, Circle City Broadcasting CEO DuJuan McCoy, CBS News, and The Washington Post.
The Bigger Picture: Why This Matters
This isn’t just about one award. It touches on bigger questions:
- Free speech vs. accountability — Can a journalist criticize their own community without backlash?
- Who gets to define "fair coverage"? — Organizations like NABJ say they "call balls and strikes based on conduct, not identity."
- Media influence — Smith has a massive platform (ESPN, YouTube, social media). His words carry weight.
- Dialogue vs. public combat — NABJ wanted private talks first; Smith took it straight to YouTube and X (formerly Twitter).
Summary
| Who | What They Did | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| NABJ | Gave Stephen A. Smith a "Thumbs Down" award at their gala | Says Smith has a pattern of disparaging Black women in public discourse |
| Stephen A. Smith | Released a 44-minute video calling it a political hit job | Says he’s an Independent targeted for not toeing the Democratic line |
| NABJ (again) | Clarified they offered private dialogue first, not a refusal | Emphasizes the award is about accountability, not cancellation |
| Both sides | Agree to disagree — publicly | Highlights tensions around race, gender, politics, and media responsibility |
Final Thought
Smith ended his video saying: "Please continue to support the NABJ."
NABJ ended their statement saying they "remain open to meaningful engagement."
The door isn’t closed — but the conversation is loud.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
What exactly is the "Thumbs Down" award?
It’s an annual award NABJ gives to individuals or institutions whose reporting, commentary, or practices conflict with NABJ’s mission and values. It’s been given 44 times since 1989 to both Black and non-Black recipients.
Is Stephen A. Smith a journalist?
He’s primarily a sports commentator and opinion host (ESPN’s First Take). He doesn’t do traditional reporting, but his platform gives him massive influence — which is why NABJ holds him accountable.
Did Errin Haines refuse to talk to Smith?
No. NABJ says Haines welcomed the conversation but proposed starting privately — with public engagement to follow. Smith framed this as a refusal.
Why does Smith think this is political?
He’s a registered Independent who has criticized Democratic politicians (especially Black women) and occasionally praised Donald Trump. He believes NABJ leadership is punishing him for not supporting Democrats enthusiastically enough.
Has Smith apologized?
Not exactly. He defended his past comments as "fair," said he supports Black women, and insisted he has "no ill will" toward NABJ — but he also vowed: "I’m coming" in response.
Want to watch Smith’s full response? It’s on YouTube (44 minutes). Want NABJ’s full statement? It’s in the article above.