ATLANTA — The National Association of Black Journalists has publicly rebuked one of the most prominent Black voices in American media, and Stephen A. Smith says a response is coming.
NABJ presented Smith with one of its “Thumbs Down” awards during its annual convention in Atlanta, criticizing what the organization described as a recurring pattern of disparaging commentary involving prominent Black women.
The award is given to individuals or institutions whose reporting, commentary or media practices NABJ believes are insensitive, stereotypical or otherwise at odds with the organization’s mission.
Smith, the longtime ESPN star and host of First Take, was one of several recipients. NABJ also issued “Thumbs Down” awards to FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, CBS News, Circle City Broadcasting/WISH-TV owner DuJuan McCoy and The Washington Post.
But Smith’s inclusion immediately drew attention because of his stature within Black media, his HBCU background and his recent history with NABJ itself.
Smith is a 1992 graduate of Winston-Salem State University and has become one of the most recognizable HBCU alumni in American sports media.
NABJ takes aim at Smith’s commentary about Black women
NABJ described Smith not only as a sports personality but also as a political commentator, reflecting his expanding presence beyond ESPN through SiriusXM, his independent podcast and other media appearances.
The organization specifically criticized what it sees as a pattern involving Black women.
“Smith has established a recurring public pattern of disparaging commentary directed at prominent Black women across politics, sports, and media,” NABJ said.
The organization added that 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.”
NABJ did not identify individual examples in announcing the award.
But one of Smith’s most visible recent controversies provides context for the criticism.
Jasmine Crockett clash became part of larger debate
Smith drew widespread attention after publicly criticizing U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett of Texas over her confrontational political style and use of what he characterized as “street verbiage.”
Smith questioned whether Crockett’s fiery rhetoric and highly public confrontations with Donald Trump and other Republicans were translating into meaningful political results for her constituents.
The comments sparked a much larger debate.
Critics accused Smith of tone policing a Black woman in politics and applying standards to Crockett that are not always applied equally to other public figures. Others argued that his commentary provided additional ammunition to political opponents already targeting Crockett.
Smith later acknowledged some of that concern.
In October 2025, he publicly apologized to Crockett, saying his criticism had unintentionally created material that could be used against her by conservative critics. At the same time, Smith maintained that he had the right to scrutinize Crockett and other political figures.
The disagreement eventually resurfaced.
Crockett later told Smith to “sit your a— down” over separate political commentary, prompting Smith to respond forcefully and criticize what he viewed as personal attacks against him.
What began as a disagreement over political strategy ultimately became part of a broader conversation about Black women, tone policing, media criticism and accountability within the Black community.
NABJ did not explicitly cite Crockett when giving Smith the award, but the controversy illustrates the kind of public debate that has surrounded his commentary.
Stephen A. Smith went from NABJ centerpiece to award recipient
The criticism is even more striking because of Smith’s recent relationship with NABJ.
Just one year ago, Smith and ESPN’s First Take were among the highest-profile attractions at the 2025 NABJ Convention in Cleveland.
The show broadcasted live from the Huntington Convention Center in front of a large audience as NABJ celebrated its anniversary. Smith and other personalities also participated in programming geared toward aspiring journalists, including advice and question-and-answer sessions with students.
That appearance followed another significant NABJ presence in 2024.
First Take held a live broadcast during the organization’s convention in Chicago, with guests that included Chance the Rapper and Chicago Bears stars Caleb Williams and D.J. Moore.
In roughly a year, Smith went from being one of the featured personalities at NABJ’s signature gathering to being publicly called out by the organization for commentary it believes harms Black women.
Disney, ESPN’s parent company, has also maintained a relationship with NABJ, adding another layer to the dispute.
Smith tells NABJ: ‘You started something’
Stephen A. Smith responded quickly after the award was announced.
“This is the epitome of Christmas arriving early,” Smith wrote on social media. “The @NABJ wants to call folks out, fine! You had your turn, now mine is coming.”
The First Take host indicated that he plans to publicly challenge NABJ and suggested he has grievances of his own involving the organization’s relationship with the Black community.
“Let’s see who REALLY deserves a Thumbs Down award when it comes to the Black Community,” Smith continued. “Remember @NABJ, you asked for it. I’ve shut my mouth for years. Now y’all started something.”
He did not explain in that initial response what specifically he intends to raise.
But the phrase “I’ve shut my mouth for years” carries more weight considering his recent participation in NABJ conventions.
This is not criticism coming from an organization Smith has kept at a distance.
It is a public rupture between one of the most influential Black personalities in American media and the country’s leading organization representing Black journalists.
A bigger conversation about Black media accountability
That may ultimately make this more than a story about an award.
NABJ is arguing that Smith’s commentary contributes to harmful portrayals of Black women.
Smith appears ready to argue that NABJ itself has accountability issues that deserve public scrutiny.
The Crockett controversy provides one tangible example of why NABJ’s criticism resonates with some observers. Smith’s apology in that case also complicates the picture, because it shows he has previously acknowledged that his words can have consequences beyond his original intent.
At the same time, his response to NABJ makes clear that he does not believe the organization should have the final word on his record.
For an HBCU graduate who has become one of the most powerful voices in sports media, and an organization built around protecting and advancing Black journalists, the stakes go well beyond a “Thumbs Down” trophy.