NABJ awards Stephen A. Smith ‘Thumbs Down Award’ amid controversy

The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) has sparked debate after presenting ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith with its ‘Thumbs Down Award’. The organization cited a “recurring public pattern of disparaging commentary directed at prominent Black women across politics, sports, and media” as the reason for the recognition.

NABJ President Errin Haines defended the decision, stating it was not made casually and was intended to address forces that make it difficult for Black journalists to work and for Black communities to receive fair coverage. Haines noted the award follows a tradition of challenging Black journalists who fall short of professional standards.

Stephen A. Smith has strongly rejected the allegations. While acknowledging he is “far from perfect” and strives to do better, he described the accusation of disparaging Black women as an insult and a “flat-out lie” during a television appearance. Journalist Karen Hunter commented that while the award might be warranted, she questioned whether such accolades effectively drive change in major media companies.