NABJ Gives Stephen A. Smith Thumbs Down Award

The National Association of Black Journalists presented ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith with a 2026 Thumbs Down award during its annual convention in Atlanta. The organization stated that Smith established a recurring public pattern of disparaging commentary toward prominent Black women in politics, sports, and media, specifically citing figures such as Michelle Obama and Jasmine Crockett.

The award is reserved for individuals or organizations that engage in insensitive, racist, or stereotypical reporting. Other 2026 recipients included FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, CBS News, The Washington Post, and Circle City Broadcasting CEO DuJuan McCoy. The NABJ argued that Smith's rhetoric reinforces harmful narratives and undermines the fair representation of Black women in public discourse.

Smith rejected the award during an appearance on Fox News, calling the decision a personal hit job and a flat-out lie. He argued that his remarks were expressions of a difference of opinion and criticized the NABJ for failing to contact him before the announcement. While Smith claimed the organization did not engage in journalism, NABJ President Errin Haines stated that she had proposed a private conversation focused on accountability prior to any public engagement.