Stephen A. Smith Fires Back After Black Journalists Association Hands Him Embarrassing ‘Thumbs Down’ Award

Stephen A. Smith has been trying to build an image of a sports journalist cum political activist through his podcast.

Stephen A. Smith Fires Back After Black Journalists Association Hands Him Embarrassing ‘Thumbs Down’ Award

NABJ gave Stephen A. Smith the 'Thumbs Down' award (Image via RampageJ/X)

There was a time when Stephen A. Smith was seen as the great hope for Black journalists in an industry that did not have that much representation, at least in front of the camera.

The Queens, New York, native got his break with ESPN when his debates with former colleague Skip Bayless drew a lot of attention. Sports debate shows were just starting, and the two made First Take one of the top-performing shows for the network.

Eventually, Bayless moved on to create his own show, Undisputed, on FS1, while Smith brought in Max Kellerman as his new partner, alongside host Molly Qerim.

Fast forward to now, and neither of them is there, with the 58-year-old being the only mainstay alongside new host Shae Cornette, as there is no permanent debate partner. Despite the revolving door of guests, the show still tops the charts in that time slot.

The result of that, and his overall impact on sports broadcasting, saw the father of three earn a deserved $100 million contract. However, of late, he has delved into controversial topics, which resulted in the National Association of Black Journalists giving him the ‘Thumbs Down’ award this year.

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, after I say my peace! Remember NABJ, you asked for it. I’ve shut my mouth for years. Now y’all started something.

Stephen A. Smith replied on X

This was his response after he found out they essentially embarrassed him in front of all the Black journalists who were present at the event. After all, many at that event were close to him, and so do other players and coaches who have since changed their opinion about him.

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NABJ labeled Stephen A. Smith’s reporting as ‘harmful’ to Black women

The reason Stephen A. Smith went on a rant and basically warned the NABJ of what he is about to do is because of what they stated when giving him the ‘Thumbs Down’ award.

Smith and LeBron James were on speaking terms before
Smith and LeBron James were on speaking terms before (Image via Complex/X)

Smith has established a recurring public pattern of disparaging public commentary directed at prominent Black women across politics, sports, and media. Such commentary reinforces harmful narratives and undermines the fair and respectful representation of black women in public discourse.

NABJ stated

It seems the association felt that the ESPN analyst’s past comments about some Black women were deemed harmful to the community. Smith has talked about women in the Black community on both his sports shows and his political analysis show.

Even former NBA player Matt Barnes once accused Stephen A. Smith of using right-leaning platforms to criticize Black athletes, particularly LeBron James, and even others from the community.

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Former ESPN NFL reporter believes Stephen A. Smith has burned his bridges with the Black community

Stephen A. Smith’s response to these accusations suggests that he will use his namesake show and other platforms to go after the NABJ. Whether he is trying to make a point or even attempt to rebuild his reputation among his community is unclear. If it is the latter, a former colleague believes the ship has sailed.

There are several things that remain difficult to unhear and no Black media tour is going to change that.

Josina Anderson wrote on X

Anderson may not have directly worked with Smith, but has heard enough from his regular appearances on ESPN and his podcast. The NFL insider believes that no matter how much the First Take executive producer tries, his reputation with their community cannot be corrected.

Her comment suggests that she, too, has heard enough from him, which adds to the narrative that he has been too critical of ‘his own people.’ Smith might have helped a lot of Black women become mainstays on ESPN, but his antics lately to try to build a populist political image may have cost him.

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