The National Association of Black Journalists delivered a sharp public rebuke to ESPN personality and political commentator Stephen A. Smith at its 2026 convention in Atlanta, awarding him one of its “Thumbs Down” honors for what the organization called a recurring pattern of disparaging commentary directed at prominent Black women.
The award was announced during the NABJ’s annual Salute to Excellence ceremony on Saturday, August 15, 2026.
NABJ Scolds Stephen A. Smith Publicly in Atlanta, Sets Off Firestorm
The “Thumbs Down” recognition is given to individuals or institutions the group believes have engaged in “especially insensitive, racist or stereotypical reporting, commentary, photography or cartooning about the Black community” or practices at odds with NABJ’s goals. Smith was one of five recipients this year—the most in the organization’s history. The others were FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, CBS News, The Washington Post, and media executive DuJuan McCoy of Circle City Broadcasting/WISH-TV.
In its citation, NABJ stated: “Smith has 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 organization pointed to a series of high-profile moments rather than a single comment. These included Smith’s criticisms of former Vice President Kamala Harris, former First Lady Michelle Obama, and Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX). In late 2025, Smith drew particular backlash for remarks about Crockett’s speaking style on Capitol Hill, describing the congresswoman—whom he called “an educated, brilliant Black woman”—as engaging in “verbiage and rhetoric for the streets.” He later apologized for those comments. NABJ President Errin Haines later referenced Smith’s public comments involving Harris, Crockett, and a spat with journalist Joy-Ann Reid as illustrative of the pattern the group found concerning.
The decision stood out because of Smith’s prior relationship with the organization. The ESPN First Take host had appeared at recent NABJ conventions, including live broadcasts of his show in 2024 and 2025. Disney, ESPN’s parent company, maintains a partnership with NABJ, and Smith has previously credited the group with helping launch his career decades earlier after he attended an NABJ job fair.
Smith did not stay silent. Shortly after the announcement, he posted on X: “This is the epitome of Christmas arriving early. 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, after I say my peace! Remember @NABJ, you asked for it. I’ve shut my mouth for years. Now y’all started something.”
In a subsequent lengthy response on his YouTube show Straight Shooter, Smith called the award a “personal hit job” and “the lowest” insult he had received. He criticized NABJ for failing to contact him beforehand or present specific evidence, questioning why President Haines would make the accusation publicly without a private conversation.
“This is a journalism organization that didn’t engage in journalism when it came to critiquing me,” he said. Smith, a registered independent, suggested the move was politically motivated, arguing that his willingness to criticize Democrats rather than offer unqualified praise played a role. He also appeared on Fox News’ Hannity, where he rejected the characterization as a “flat-out lie” and noted that he was raised by Black women, including his late mother and four older sisters, and has Black daughters and nieces.
The episode marks a notable rupture. What had been a cooperative relationship—highlighted by First Take appearances at prior conventions—turned into a public feud almost overnight.
NABJ framed the awards as a call for accountability and better practices, with Haines emphasizing that partnerships do not require the organization to surrender its voice. Smith, for his part, vowed to continue speaking freely on his platforms while promising a fuller accounting of what he sees as NABJ’s shortcomings regarding the Black community.
The controversy underscores ongoing tensions within Black media and public discourse about criticism, representation, gender, and political independence. As one of the most prominent and highly compensated Black voices in sports and increasingly in politics, Smith’s clashes with figures and institutions that share aspects of his identity continue to generate intense debate.
Whether the “Thumbs Down” prompts reflection, escalation, or both remains to be seen—but the Atlanta convention made clear that NABJ was willing to call out even a longtime associate when it believed its core principles were at stake.
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