Full Breakdown
Stephen A. Smith Confronts NABJ After Receiving “Thumbs Down” Award
8/16/2026, 9:58:04 PM
The Award and Immediate Reaction
On August 16, 2026, the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) presented ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith with a “Thumbs Down” award during its Salute to Excellence gala in Atlanta. He added that he would “scrutinize NABJ’s own record” after years of silence toward the group.
Background: NABJ’s “Thumbs Down” Program
The “Thumbs Down” distinction is an annual negative award given to individuals or organizations whose actions the NABJ believes run counter to its mission of accurate, responsible, and inclusive coverage of Black communities. Recipients are selected by a committee and announced at the association’s convention. In the 2026 cycle, five entities received the award: Stephen A. Smith, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, CBS News, DuJuan McCoy (owner of Circle City Broadcasting/WISH-TV), and The Washington Post.
Official Statements from NABJ
NABJ President Errin Haines framed the award as a call for accountability rather than permanent condemnation.
Stephen A. Smith’s Response
No detailed rebuttal had been issued by the time of writing.
Criticism & Opposition
Several commentators framed the award as evidence of a broader disconnect between journalism organizations and their audiences. Ameshia Cross, who attended the awards dinner, criticized the NABJ’s presentation as “messy” and suggested the group wanted “to trend again.” Robert Littal, a BlackSportsOnline founder, highlighted the contrast between the award and the NABJ’s prior celebration of Smith’s participation in earlier conventions.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I think NABJ wanted to trend again because that was messy for no damn reason," Cross said on X.” — Ameshia Cross, who attended the awards dinner, criticized NABJ’s presentation
- “So, you say all of these things on television,” — Draymond Green
- “The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) turned on Stephen A. Smith,” — Robert Littal
What’s Next
Smith indicated he will “scrutinize NABJ’s own record,” but no specific timeline or forum for that challenge has been announced. NABJ President Haines stated the organization “will not be silent” and that “the door is open” for continued dialogue. Both parties appear poised for a public exchange in the coming weeks.
