The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) gave ESPN host Stephen A. Smith its “Thumbs Down” award during its annual convention in Atlanta on August 15. The organization said Smith showed a “recurring public pattern of disparaging commentary directed at prominent Black women across politics, sports, and media”.
Smith, who hosts ESPN’s First Take and has become a political commentator in recent years, did not accept the criticism quietly. He fired back on social media, warning the organization that he would respond.
The award is not something anyone would want. NABJ gives it to people or media outlets whose work it considers insensitive, stereotypical, or against the group’s mission. Smith was one of several recipients this year, alongside FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, CBS News, DuJuan McCoy of Circle City Broadcasting, and The Washington Post.
What Led to the Award
NABJ did not point to one specific comment when giving Smith the award. But his public clash with U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) in late 2025 gave clear context.
Smith criticized Crockett for using what he called “street verbiage” on Capitol Hill. He questioned whether her confrontational style and public fights with Donald Trump and other Republicans were actually helping the people she represents.
He said at the time:
“This educated, brilliant Black woman, representing over 750,000 people, is engaging in verbiage and rhetoric for the streets!”
The comment created a much larger debate. Many critics accused Smith of tone policing a Black woman in politics. They said he was applying standards to Crockett that were not applied equally to other public figures. Some also argued his comments gave political opponents more ammunition against her.
Smith later apologized to Crockett in October 2025. He said his criticism had unintentionally created material that could be used against her by conservative critics. But he also maintained that he had the right to scrutinize Crockett and other political figures.
The disagreement did not end there. Crockett later told Smith to “sit your a- down” over separate political commentary. Smith responded forcefully and criticized what he saw as personal attacks.
What started as a disagreement over political strategy became part of a much larger conversation about Black women, tone policing, media criticism, and accountability within the Black community.
Smith’s History With NABJ
The criticism from NABJ is notable because Smith had a strong relationship with the organization just two years ago. In 2024, Smith and ESPN’s First Take crew appeared as featured guests at the NABJ convention. They even took the daily show live from the event.
Smith praised the gathering at the time:
“You come to a place like the National Association of Black Journalists conference, and you’re reminded of what togetherness is all about. How there’s strength in numbers and unity.”
That warm reception now feels like a distant memory. The same organization that once welcomed him has now publicly criticized him.
Smith is a 1992 graduate of Winston-Salem State University, a historically Black university. He has become one of the most recognizable HBCU alumni in American sports media. His presence extends beyond ESPN through SiriusXM, his independent podcast, and other media appearances.
How Smith Responded
Smith did not hold back when he learned about the award. He posted his reaction on X (formerly Twitter):
“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.”
The message made it clear that Smith plans to address the situation further. He warned that he would be coming back with more to say.
Social Media Reactions
The sports and media world had plenty to say after the news broke. Many people on social media shared their thoughts on the award and Smith’s response.
Some users thought the award was deserved. One fan wrote on X:
“Couldn’t think of anyone more deserving.”
Another user named Swipa, who covers Denver sports, said:
“I’d be EMBARRASSED if the NABJ said this about me. Totally embarrassed.”
JR Levert added:
“Homie gotta understand it’s not just that people don’t like you. They ALSO don’t respect you lol.”
Another user commented:
“Its wild how he built his whole brand off loud takes on black women then acts shocked when the pattern gets called out. this one feels overdue.”
But not everyone agreed with NABJ’s decision. Some critics pointed out what they saw as a double standard. One person questioned why NABJ invited President Donald Trump to its convention in 2024 after he questioned Vice President Kamala Harris’ racial identity:
“Did they give themselves the thumbs down award when they invited trump?”
Background on the Thumbs Down Award
The “Thumbs Down” award is not new. NABJ gives it to “an individual or organization for especially insensitive, racist or stereotypical reporting, commentary, photography or cartooning about the Black community or for engaging in practices at odds with the goals of NABJ”.
The organization has given this award to various recipients over the years. This year’s list included Smith, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, CBS News, DuJuan McCoy, and The Washington Post.
NABJ explained its decision in detail:
“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 said Smith’s approach carries consequences beyond the individual discussions surrounding his remarks.
Smith’s Other Controversies
Smith is no stranger to controversy. In a separate interview, he accused LeBron James of trying to “hurt” his career. Smith spoke to Graham Bensinger about the situation:
“I can’t talk about it, but that’s exactly what I said. And I’ve never talked about it and I won’t, other than to say I know that to be true. It was validated when he went on Pat McAfee’s show. Because you went on the show that comes on after me to talk about me and to disrespect me.”
Smith said he has moved past that drama. But the NABJ award shows that controversy continues to follow him.
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What the Award Means
The award from NABJ represents a public rebuke from one of the most important organizations for Black journalists in America. For a media figure like Smith, who has built his career on strong opinions and heated debates, this kind of criticism from a professional organization carries weight.
NABJ described Smith not just as a sports personality but also as a political commentator. This reflects his expanding presence beyond sports into politics and culture. The organization specifically criticized what it sees as a pattern involving Black women.
The award also highlights a broader conversation about how Black women are treated in public discourse. NABJ’s statement said Smith’s commentary “reinforces harmful narratives” and “undermines the fair and respectful representation of Black women”.
Smith has promised to respond. He said on X that he has “shut my mouth for years” but that NABJ “started something”. It remains to be seen what he will say next.
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