Stephen A. Smith Melts Down Over Receiving Racially Charged Journalism Award
Stephen A. Smith Melts Down Over Receiving Racially Charged Journalism Award
Ron DickerMon, August 17, 2026 at 9:38 AM UTC
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ESPN star Stephen A. Smith threatened revenge on the National Association of Black Journalists after it “awarded” him a Thumbs Down honor for “disparaging commentary” about Black women.
Smith, arguably the sports network’s most influential personality, took to X over the weekend to fume at the NABJ.
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“This is the epitome of Christmas arriving early,” he wrote. “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! Remember @NABJ, you asked for it. I’ve shut my mouth for years. Now y’all started something.”
In a moment shared on X by HuffPost’s Philip Lewis on Saturday, the association bestowed the brickbat on the absent Smith during its “Salute to Excellence Awards” gala Saturday in Atlanta.
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A statement said Smith “established a recurring public pattern of disparaging commentary directed at prominent Black women across politics, sports and media.”
“Such commentary reinforces harmful narratives, undermines the fair and respectful representation of Black women in public discourse and stands in direct conflict with NABJ’s longstanding commitment to accurate, responsible and inclusive portrayals of Black communities,” the statement continued.
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Smith, who has branched out further into politics over the years, has previously attended the NABJ convention with his ESPN show “First Take.”
Smith has criticized Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas), who is Black, of using “rhetoric for the streets” that doesn’t help her constituency. He later apologized. He and ex-MSNBC commentator Joy Reid have publicly feuded. He was confronted about the perceived negativity by ABC News’ Linsey Davis on “All Access.”
Other “Thumbs Down” recipients included Brendan Carr, chair of the Federal Communications Commission; DuJuan McCoy, Circle City Broadcasting president and chief executive; CBS; and The Washington Post.
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