Stephen A. Smith received NABJ’s Thumbs Down award this weekend. The Winston-Salem State University alum says he isn’t staying quiet about it. The National Association of Black Journalists handed out the Thumbs Down award during its annual convention in Atlanta. Smith responded within hours, promising a public reply of his own.

NABJ gives its Thumbs Down award to individuals or institutions it believes have engaged in insensitive or stereotypical commentary. This year, the organization pointed specifically at how Smith talks about Black women across sports, politics and media. Overall, Smith was one of five recipients named that night. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, CBS News, DuJuan McCoy and The Washington Post also received the award that night.

Why NABJ singled out Stephen A. Smith

NABJ described Smith as more than a sports commentator. Specifically, the organization noted his expanding political platform through SiriusXM, his independent podcast and other outlets beyond ESPN. That expansion, NABJ suggested, comes with added scrutiny attached to it.

The organization’s statement was pointed and direct. It said Smith has shown a repeated pattern of criticizing prominent Black women in ways that undermine fair representation. Notably, NABJ did not name specific examples in its announcement. Still, one recent controversy offers useful context for understanding the criticism.

Smith drew heavy criticism last year after commenting on U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett of Texas. He questioned her confrontational political style and used language some saw as dismissive. As a result, critics accused him of tone policing a Black woman in politics. Smith later apologized to Crockett, acknowledging his words could be used against her by political opponents. Even so, he maintained his right to critique public officials and their strategies.

A relationship with NABJ that soured quickly

What makes this moment notable is the timeline involved. Just one year ago, Smith and First Take were featured guests at NABJ’s 2024 convention in Chicago. The show broadcast live with guests including Chance the Rapper and Chicago Bears stars Caleb Williams and D.J. Moore. Then, in 2025, Smith returned for NABJ’s Cleveland convention. First Take again broadcast live, and Smith mentored aspiring journalists during that visit.

At that Cleveland event, Smith praised the organization publicly and enthusiastically. He talked about the sense of unity and strength that comes from gathering with other Black media professionals. Roughly a year later, NABJ handed him one of its most public rebukes to date.

Consequently, that reversal has fueled much of the reaction online. Smith went from featured convention guest to Thumbs Down award recipient in a remarkably short span. For an organization built around supporting Black journalists, publicly calling out one of the most recognizable Black voices in sports media is not a small step to take.

Smith’s response signals more is coming

Smith did not wait long to respond publicly. He reshared a post about the award and added his own message. “This is the epitome of Christmas arriving early,” he wrote. Furthermore, he promised a fuller response soon, saying NABJ had picked the wrong target for its criticism.

His message suggested he has grievances of his own involving the organization. He referenced staying quiet for years, and he indicated that restraint is now ending. He did not specify what his response will include. However, the tone made clear this dispute is far from over.

Smith’s history at Winston-Salem State adds another layer to the story. Stephen A. Smith graduated from the HBCU in 1992, and he has credited the school and his college coach, Clarence “Big House” Gaines, with shaping his entire career path. Smith has also donated significant money to WSSU over the years. He has spoken often about his ongoing commitment to HBCU causes and scholarship funding, framing that support as central to his identity as a broadcaster.

Why this Thumbs Down award controversy matters

This story is bigger than a single ceremony. NABJ is arguing that Smith’s commentary contributes to harmful narratives about Black women in public life. Meanwhile, Smith appears ready to argue that NABJ has its own accountability issues worth public scrutiny.

The Crockett situation remains a useful example of why NABJ’s criticism resonates with some observers. Additionally, Smith’s earlier apology in that case complicates his position, since it shows he has already acknowledged that his words carry real consequences. At the same time, his reaction to the Thumbs Down award makes clear he does not view NABJ as having the final say on his record.

Ultimately, for an HBCU graduate who built one of the most influential platforms in American sports media, and for an organization dedicated to advancing Black journalists, this disagreement carries weight well past a trophy. Both sides appear ready to keep talking. Neither seems interested in backing down first.

Smith’s next move will likely determine how far this dispute goes. Given his platform and his stated intention to respond publicly, more details are expected soon. Sports media observers are already speculating about what form that response might take, whether through his podcast, his SiriusXM show or another public statement entirely. For now, the exchange between Stephen A. Smith and NABJ stands as one of the more pointed public disputes involving a prominent HBCU alum this year, and it shows no sign of quietly fading away. Both organizations built their reputations on speaking directly, so a quiet resolution seems unlikely anytime soon.