Stephen A. Smith Unloads on NABJ After Stunning ‘Thumbs Down’
Stephen A. Smith Gets "Thumbs Down" Award from Black Journalists Group: What Happened and Why It Matters
The Big News in Simple Terms
Imagine getting a report card, but instead of grades like A or F, you get a "Thumbs Up" or a "Thumbs Down."
Well, famous sports and politics talker Stephen A. Smith just got a giant "Thumbs Down" from a very important group called the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ).
Important Point: The NABJ is a professional organization that supports Black journalists and fights for fair, accurate coverage of Black communities. Their opinion carries a lot of weight in the media world.
Why Did They Give Him This Award?
The NABJ didn’t just wake up and decide this. They have specific reasons. Here’s the breakdown:
The Main Reason: A Pattern of Criticism
The organization said Smith has "established a recurring public pattern of disparaging commentary directed at prominent Black women across politics, sports and media."
In plain English: He has a habit of saying harsh, negative things about well-known Black women over and over again.
What "Disparaging Commentary" Means
ELI5 Definition: Disparaging means saying something that shows you don’t respect someone or think they are important. Commentary is just a fancy word for "giving your opinion out loud."
So, the NABJ is saying: "Stephen A. keeps publicly disrespecting powerful Black women."
Why This Is Harmful (According to NABJ)
The NABJ explained that this kind of talk:
- Reinforces harmful narratives (makes bad stereotypes seem true)
- Undermines fair representation (makes it harder for Black women to be seen fairly)
- Conflicts with their mission (goes against what the NABJ stands for: accurate, responsible, inclusive portrayals)
Stephen A. Smith’s Reaction: "Now Y’all Started Something"
Smith did not take this quietly. He fired back immediately on X (formerly Twitter).
His Response, Step by Step:
- He called it "Christmas arriving early" (meaning: he’s excited/happy to fight back).
- He accepted the challenge: "You had your turn, now mine is coming."
- He promised a counter-attack: "Let’s see who REALLY deserves a Thumbs Down award… after I say my peace!"
- He claimed silence: "I’ve shut my mouth for years."
- He issued a warning: "Remember… you asked for it. Now y’all started something."
Important Point: This is a major public breakup. The NABJ actually hosted Smith and broadcast his show "First Take" live at their conventions in 2024 and 2025. They were partners. Now, they are opponents.
The Bigger Picture: This Isn’t the First Time
The "Thumbs Down" award is just the latest backlash. Smith has been in hot water before with other Black media figures and celebrities.
A Timeline of Recent Clashes:
| Who | What Happened |
|---|---|
| Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) | Smith accused her of using "street verbiage" (slang/informal language) when she criticized President Trump (Sept 2024). |
| Kevin Hart | During a Comedy Central roast, Hart joked Smith belongs on the "Mount Rushmore of racism" alongside Kid Rock and Hulk Hogan. |
| Joy Reid | He clashed with the former MSNBC anchor. |
| LeBron James | He is in a long-standing feud with the NBA superstar. |
| Politics & Trump | He and Trump have insulted each other, but Smith also praised Trump recently and said a Trump-backed candidate (Byron Donalds) might make him switch from Democrat to Republican. |
| Presidential Run? | Smith has hinted he might run for President someday. |
Who Else Got a "Thumbs Down"?
Smith wasn’t alone. The NABJ handed out the dishonor to others they feel are hurting Black communities or press freedom:
- Brendan Carr: Chairman of the FCC (Federal Communications Commission — the gov’t agency that regulates TV, radio, internet).
- DuJuan McCoy: President & CEO of Circle City Broadcasting.
- CBS: The major television network.
- The Washington Post: The major newspaper.
Note: Getting this award alongside government regulators and giant media corporations shows the NABJ views Smith’s individual influence as equally powerful and potentially damaging.
Summary: What You Need to Know
- Stephen A. Smith, a hugely famous ESPN personality who talks sports and politics, received the "Thumbs Down" award from the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ).
- The Charge: The NABJ says he has a long history of publicly criticizing and disrespecting prominent Black women in politics, sports, and media.
- The Impact: The NABJ says this reinforces harmful stereotypes and hurts fair representation.
- The Fallout: Smith exploded in response, promising a massive, public retaliation ("I’m coming"). This ends a friendly relationship where the NABJ hosted his show for two years.
- The Context: This fits a pattern of Smith clashing with other Black leaders (politicians, comedians, journalists, athletes) and making unpredictable political moves.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Who is Stephen A. Smith?
A: He is one of the most famous sports commentators in America. He hosts First Take on ESPN. He is known for being very loud, very opinionated, and very controversial. Lately, he talks politics and culture just as much as sports.
What is the NABJ?
A: The National Association of Black Journalists. It’s the largest organization for journalists of color in the U.S. They advocate for diversity in newsrooms and fair coverage of Black communities. They give out awards (like "Thumbs Up") and sometimes "Thumbs Down" to call out harmful behavior.
What does "street verbiage" mean?
A: It’s a term Smith used to describe Rep. Jasmine Crockett’s way of speaking. It implies she was using slang, informal language, or "street talk" rather than "proper" political language. Critics called this comment condescending and racist.
Why is the "Mount Rushmore of racism" joke a big deal?
A: Mount Rushmore honors the "greatest" presidents. Putting someone on the "Mount Rushmore of racism" means naming them one of the most racist people ever. Kevin Hart saying this on national TV was a massive public insult to Smith’s character.
Does this hurt Stephen A. Smith’s career?
A: Short term: Probably not. His whole brand is controversy; his fans like the fight. Long term: It damages his credibility with a major pillar of the Black media establishment. If he ever runs for office (as he hinted), this moment will be used against him.
Final Thought: This isn’t just about one award. It’s a public referendum on how Black men in power talk about Black women in power—and who gets to decide when the line is crossed.