Longtime ESPN reporter Stephen A. Smith has never backed down from public criticism. Decades deep into his career, he remains one of the strongest and boldest voices in sports media. His latest opponents are the National Association of Black Journalists, who recently called him out for his “lack of accountability.”
Last Saturday, the association gave Smith a “Thumbs Down” award at its annual conference in Atlanta, citing what it called Smith’s “recurring public pattern of disparaging commentary directed at prominent Black women across politics, sports, and media.”
It didn’t take long for Smith to address the “award.”
“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,” Smith posted on X.
Joseph Williams of Word in Black wrote that “the only shocking part was that anyone expected him to sit with it.”
“Smith’s strong reaction to the pushback, and the brutal online trolling from Black netizens that followed, is telling because it reveals how little self-awareness came with his fame and fortune, and how many people agreed with NABJ’s decision to call him out,” Williams added.
“NABJ didn’t ambush him. This is an organization he has walked into at past conventions with music blasting and arms wide, soaking up the love. Rather than understanding, ignoring, or even asking questions, Smith vowed revenge, and did it on white media.”
There’s been a fallout between Smith and certain members of the African American community over his recent actions, which have included appearances on Fox News and calling out LeBron James as a father. It’ll be interesting to see where things go from here.
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