Stephen A. Smith, as promised, took to his “Straight Shooter’s” podcast on Monday to address the National Association of Black Journalists – and more specifically NABJ President Errin Haines, for giving him the “Thumbs Down” award at the recent convention held in Atlanta, Georgia this past weekend.
Smith Considers NABJ “Thumbs Down”Award A Stab In The Back From Black Community: Says He Disparages Black Women
Smith, who got his start with the Philadelphia Inquirer after attending an NABJ conference as a young journalist back in the early 90s said:
“It is bs and I get a lot of people who want to pile on and jump on it because you have your own individual feelings about me. I’m here to tell y’all you are entitled to that. Not the NABJ. You’re not entitled to that.
This is me you’re talking about here. I am the same guy who brought a nationally televised show to a journalism conference (NABJ) the last two years. Did you have anything to say about me then? Did I get a thumbs down then?
“First Take”, which is a nationally televised show that has been No. 1 for 14 straight years, came to the National Association of Black Journalists (Convention) in Chicago and Cleveland, back-to-back years. I have to thank ESPN for that. They are the ones who signed off on it.
But If I’m not willing to show up. We aint coming. But I was there. I was there not just to do the show. I also stood in the booth for over an hour at a job fair. I also gave a speech and also mentored and talked to – as I continue to do – young aspiring black journalists and I have done that religiously for decades.”
Stephen A. Smith Given “Thumbs Down” Award By Organization He Says Started His Career: Calls Out NABJ President Erin Haines
Then Smith began to tell the story of his early career and the mentor he met in 1994 at the NABJ job fair that helped him get his first NBA job, saying he owes his entire career to the organization.
“And yet Saturday night,” Smith continues. “I saw the President of the organization, Errin Haines, go up on stage and give me a thumbs down award for disparaging Black women. I received a lot of insults in my day. That might be the lowest.”
Smith was given the award on Saturday as the group celebrated in Atlanta with their annual Convention. What the NABJ characterized as Smith’s constant belittling of prominent Black women was presented as the reason he was called out, and from the sounds of it Smith is excited for the opportunity to respond.
Smith Sent Warning Shot
In the aftermath of the announcement of the award, Smith took to social media to have his say.
“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.”
“Remember @NABJ, you asked for it. I’ve shut my mouth for years. Now y’all started something,” Smith said.
Why Did Organization Choose Smith For The Award?
“Smith has established a recurring public pattern of disparaging commentary directed at prominent Black women across politics, sport and media,” the award presentation said.
“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,” it continued.
“The door is open. The conversation is available, and the opportunity to change is real. But NABJ will not be silent. Not in this moment, and not on my watch,” NABJ President Errin Haines said during the presentation.
CBS, Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr, The Washington Post, and Circle City Broadcasting CEO DuJuan McCoy also got the Thumbs Down designation at the convention, but it was the dart thrown at the ESPN personality that attracted the most notice.
Fans Chime In
As Smith prepares his rebuttal for Monday’s episode of “First Take,” fans made sure to make their opinions heard.
“Who cares. I don’t think he losing any sleep over none of this. Carry on with your life,” a fan said.
“I wish I had 2 more hands, so I could give SAS 4 thumbs down,” another fan said.
“This is literally the reason why u got the award, u always have mad aggression towards black ppl about everything but with the whites it’s good boy time…,” a person replied.
“It’s a long time coming. You use your platform to abuse a black woman.. you use your platform to attack and abuse, black men. You don’t use your platform to uplift the BLACK community just like officer Brandon Tatum,” a fan mentioned.
“Roast their hypocritical butts thoroughly, Stephen. More power to you!!!” a person quipped.
“I would fully support Stephen A for president 2028,” another fan spewed.
