Stephen A. Smith is not holding back after receiving a “Thumbs Down” award from the National Association of Black Journalists.
NABJ presented Smith with the controversial recognition during its annual Salute to Excellence Awards in Atlanta. The organization said the ESPN personality has shown a recurring pattern of commentary that it believes has been harmful toward prominent Black women in politics, sports and media.
Smith strongly disagreed.
During a lengthy response on his YouTube platform, Smith called the award a political and personal “hit job” and said it was one of the lowest insults he has ever received. He argued that criticism of his political views played a role in NABJ’s decision and rejected the suggestion that he has a problem with Black women.
Despite his anger, Smith encouraged people to continue supporting NABJ. He also invited NABJ President Errin Haines to discuss the controversy publicly on his show. Haines proposed starting with a private conversation, with NABJ saying a public discussion could follow later.
It looks like this conversation is far from over.