ESPN's SAS Calls Out Black Journalists Organization

Stephen A Smith

ESPN's Stephen A. Smith vowed Sunday to confront the National Association of Black Journalists after the group awarded him a “Thumbs Down” at its Saturday night gala in Atlanta for what it called his repeated disparagement of prominent Black women.

The ESPN host and political commentator framed the award as the start of a broader dispute. “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,” Smith posted on X. He added that he had stayed silent about the organization for years but would now scrutinize its record: “Remember
@NABJ, you asked for it. I’ve shut my mouth for years. Now y’all started something.”

NABJ announced the decision during its Salute to Excellence Awards Gala at the group’s annual convention. A video of the presentation, shared by Washington Association of Black Journalists President Phil Lewis, showed the organization also presenting the award to FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, CBS News, Circle City Broadcasting and WISH-TV owner DuJuan McCoy, and The Washington Post.

The National Association of Black Journalists gives Stephen A. Smith the “Thumbs Down” award for his “recurring public pattern of disparaging public commentary directed at prominent Black women across politics, sports and media.” pic.twitter.com/2goiWxfrlN

— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) August 16, 2026

The presentation stated that Smith “has established a recurring public pattern of disparaging commentary directed at prominent Black women across politics, sports, and media.” It said such commentary “reinforces harmful narratives, undermines the fair and respectful representation of Black women in public discourse, and stands in direct conflict with NABJ’s longstanding commitment to accurate, responsible, and inclusive portrayals of Black communities.” 

According to NABJ’s published criteria, the annual distinction goes to a person or organization responsible for especially insensitive, racist or stereotypical coverage or commentary about the Black community, or practices contrary to the group’s goals.

Curtis Houck, managing editor of the Media Research Center’s NewsBusters, told Fox News Digital the award showed a disconnect between journalism groups and the public.