Stephen A. Smith Slams National Black Journalists Group Over 'Personal Hit Job' Accusation

Prominent sports commentator and media personality Stephen A. Smith openly criticized the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), describing a recent accolade bestowed upon him as a “personal hit job.” Smith voiced his strong displeasure during his program on Monday, following the organization's event.

The controversy arose after the NABJ presented Smith with a “Thumbs Down” award at their Saturday night gala in Atlanta. The group stated the award was given due to what it characterized as Smith’s repeated disparagement of notable Black women.

Smith expressed significant offense over the decision, highlighting what he perceived as a profound failure of journalistic practice from an organization dedicated to journalism.

Smith's Rebuttal and Challenge to NABJ Leadership

“The reality is that it was a personal hit job,” Smith asserted. “We can sit up there and lollygag around and act like we don’t know any better. It was a personal hit job. Which, by the way, usually doesn’t phase me. I know you think something phases me, just because you see me commenting on it. No, I’m in this business. I have a platform. I can comment about anything I want to, and I will continue to do so.”

He continued, emphasizing the distinct nature of this particular incident:

“That’s not what this is. This is different. This is a journalism organization that didn’t engage in journalism when it came to critiquing me. Disparaging Black women is a very incendiary thing to say. If you felt that adamant about it, [NABJ] President [Errin] Haines, how come I never got a call?”

Smith speculated that the award stemmed from his past critiques of high-profile Black female political figures, such as Texas Democratic Representative Jasmine Crockett. He also disclosed that he had attempted to contact NABJ President Errin Haines to discuss the organization's allegations, but the conversation did not progress.

“Do you know what she said to me, ladies and gentlemen? She’d rather have a private off-the-air conversation first,” he recounted. “Oh, really? So you can go on a public platform, denigrate me, make these accusations against me without calling. But when I challenge you to come on here face to face and have a conversation with me, now we want a private conversation before. Nah, I will never speak to her because the deed is done.”

Continued Support Despite Disagreement

Despite his sharp criticism of the award, Smith clarified that he intends to continue supporting the NABJ. He acknowledged a significant debt to the organization, crediting an “NABJ job fair” over three decades ago as instrumental to the start of his career.

“This is not about the NABJ. This is not an indictment against them. It certainly isn’t an indictment against the sports task force filled with a bunch of my brothers that I will always be there for,” he stated. “And it certainly isn’t something that should be held against aspiring journalists and those already in the business who aspire to rise higher. I’m always here. But those few board members who made this decision, it was wrong. It was grossly unfair. And more importantly, it was self-defeating.”

External Commentary and NABJ's Rationale

The incident also drew commentary from other media figures. Curtis Houck, a managing editor, characterized such journalism trade groups as a “charade” that “exist to keep Woke 1 alive, and illuminate the reality elitist journalists are wildly disconnected from the rest of the country.”

Houck further commented:

“Stephen A. Smith was exactly right to eviscerate them. Smith is known as someone who can be a bloviator, but he also calls out all sides if he feels they did something wrong. It’s a lesson those in the NABJ should take a page from instead of masquerading as clownish activists.”

A video of the NABJ presentation was shared publicly by Washington Association of Black Journalists President Phil Lewis on X on Sunday. The award presentation articulated the organization’s reasoning, stating:

“Smith has established a recurring public pattern of disparaging commentary directed at prominent Black women across politics, sports, and media.”

The statement concluded by explaining the perceived impact of Smith’s remarks:

“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.”