Photo credit: Stephen A. Smith (Instagram)
Stephen A. Smith is not letting the National Association of Black Journalists have the last word.
The ESPN commentator responded after NABJ recognized him with a “Thumbs Down” award. Smith pushed back on the organization while pointing to its decision to welcome him and ESPN’s First Take to its conference just one year earlier.
Now, Smith says he is ready to speak openly about his issues with the organization.
Stephen A. Smith responds to NABJ award
Smith reacted after a social media post highlighted NABJ’s previous relationship with him and First Take.
The post noted that the organization welcomed Smith and the ESPN program to its conference a year before giving him the negative recognition.
Smith appeared to view the situation as an opportunity to address issues he says he has kept to himself.
He described the timing as “Christmas arriving early” before warning that NABJ’s decision could lead to a much bigger conversation.
Stephen A. Smith says his turn is coming
Smith did not stop with his criticism of the award.
The sports commentator told NABJ that the organization had its opportunity to make its statement. Now, he believes it is his turn.
“You had your turn, now mine is coming,” Smith wrote.
He then questioned who truly deserves a “Thumbs Down” award when it comes to the Black community.
The message suggests Smith plans to take a closer look at NABJ’s record and decisions rather than simply accept the award.
Smith says he has stayed quiet for years
Smith also claimed that he has remained quiet about certain issues for years.
That appears to be changing.
His response signals that he may soon discuss his concerns with NABJ publicly. Smith has built a reputation for speaking directly about sports, media and issues affecting the Black community.
The latest exchange places him and NABJ on opposite sides of a growing public disagreement.
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The NABJ and Stephen A. Smith clash continues
The dispute comes at a notable time for Smith, who remains one of the most visible Black voices in sports media.
His work on First Take has made him a major figure in sports television. He has also increasingly used his platform to discuss politics, culture and broader issues affecting Black Americans.
NABJ’s decision to give Smith a “Thumbs Down” award has now created another conversation about the relationship between prominent Black media personalities and journalism organizations.
For Smith, however, the issue appears far from over.
His warning that his “turn” is coming suggests he intends to respond on his own platform and in his own way.
Source: Stephen A. Smith via social media
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