Stephen A. Smith never been the type to quietly accept criticism. So when the National Association of Black Journalists handed him a “Thumbs Down Award,” Smith did what Smith does best.
He grabbed the microphone.
During a special edition of his SiriusXM show Straight Shooter, Smith fired back at the NABJ after the organization recognized him during its annual convention in Atlanta on Saturday.
I wonder if Stephen A. Smith is mad about this. pic.twitter.com/kltQJx7T7i
— greg (@mistergeezy) August 16, 2026
The award is designed to highlight media personalities whose actions or comments do not line up with the NABJ’s mission. Apparently, Smith’s name made the list.
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And he was not exactly rushing to collect his trophy with a smile.
“I heard them loud and clear. I’m listening. I’m far from perfect. And I will always strive to do better on behalf of my community, for the journalism community, and beyond… But that doesn’t mean that I’m not going to address what was said about me with the fervor that it deserves.”
Smith says that he was open to criticism of his work but still wanted to respond to what was said. He reaffirmed his support for the NABJ regardless of the thumbs-down award, though he still believes that what occurred was wrong.
“I’ll never abandon the organization, but I won’t forget the few board members and what you tried to do. It was wrong. Totally wrong. I will strive to do better. Will you?”
He then reaffirmed his creed as a journalist over the past three decades.
“I don’t want enemies, but I’m not here to be liked. I’m here to call things as I see them, which I’ve earned the right to do over a journalism career that now spans 33 years…Contrary to popular belief, we ain’t supposed to be about popularity contest and people agreeing with us and us saying stuff that makes everybody feel good. We’re journalists. We’re pundits. We’re commentators. We’re here to disrupt. We’re here to provoke the uncomfortable.”
Smith then went on to defend himself from what he believed was “a hit job.”
Honestly, this is Stephen A. Smith we are talking about. Did anyone really expect him to say, “Thank you, guys. I appreciate the feedback”?
“What a few board members decided to do… the reality is that it was a personal hit job…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.”
Smith also reaffirmed the notion that he believes that the NABJ should not have spotlighted him in that way.
“It’s not my credibility that’s in question; it’s yours. Because a journalism organization ain’t supposed to be doing that.”
The bigger question is whether the award will change Smith’s approach. Judging by his response, probably not.
