During a recent broadcast, ESPN host and political commentator Stephen A. Smith expressed strong criticism of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), referring to their actions as a “personal attack.” This outburst followed the group’s decision to give him a “thumbs down” award due to his perceived disrespect towards notable black women, which was highlighted at their gala in Atlanta.
Smith, visibly frustrated, commented that he felt “personally angry at that decision.” He described the incident as a significant failure in journalism from organizations that are supposed to uphold journalistic standards.
“The reality is it was a personal hit job,” he stated. Smith continued by asserting that he has the right to express his opinions given his platform in the media. He questioned why the NABJ, known for promoting black journalism, would criticize him without engaging in a proper dialogue, asking, “If you feel so adamant about it, then… NABJ president Errin Haynes, why didn’t you call me?”
He speculated that the award might have stemmed from his critical remarks about certain black female politicians, including Texas Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett. Although he attempted to connect with Haynes to discuss their differences, those efforts did not pan out.
Smith remarked on the irony of Haynes preferring a private conversation after publicly criticizing him, which he found unacceptable. Yet, he expressed a desire to support NABJ, acknowledging that much of his career was due to connections he made through their Job Fair over 30 years ago.
He clarified that his comments were not meant to discredit NABJ as a whole or the sports task force filled with his peers but rather aimed at the board members responsible for the decision he found unjust and self-defeating.
In reaction to Smith’s comments, the editor of the Media Research Center, a conservative watchdog, suggested that the award highlights a broader disconnect between journalism organizations and the public. He described NABJ as a group that has lost touch, calling their actions fraudulent and elitist. Furthermore, he praised Smith for his candidness in addressing the issue.
An official statement during the award ceremony claimed that Smith had a history of making derogatory remarks about influential black women, asserting that such comments harm the perception of black women in society and contradict NABJ’s mission.
