Stephen A. Smith declared, “Folks are scared,” in response to a negative accolade from the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) for his alleged “recurring public pattern” of disparagement.
(Video Credit: Stephen A. Smith)
Over the weekend, the NABJ hosted its Salute to Excellence Awards Gala, highlighting the work of professional and collegiate journalists. The same ceremony decided to slight the renowned sports commentator for past remarks about certain black women in prominent positions, leading Smith to conclude politics were at play.
“If I said this about a black female conservative, would we be having this conversation?”
In a video released Monday, the SiriusXM host of “Straight Shooter” addressed the NABJ’s decision to present him a “Thumbs Down,” describing its reasoning as his supposed “recurring public pattern of disparaging commentary directed at prominent black women across politics, sports and media.”
As the organization went on to insist his commentary “reinforces harmful narratives, undermines the fair and respectful representation of black women in public discourse, and stands in direct conflict with NABJ’s long standing commitment to accurate, responsible and inclusive portrayals of black communities,” Smith leveled, “This is a journalism organization that didn’t engage in journalism when it came to critiquing me.”
Specifically, the commentator called out NABJ President Errin Haines for not speaking with him directly before the public spectacle, “Disparaging black women is a very incendiary thing to say. If you felt that adamant about it, President Haines, how come I never got a call? How come the NABJ never reached out to me to have a conversation?”
“And you would go on stage, Ms. Haines, and accuse me of disparaging black women with no evidence — just your feelings. This is shameful, but it’s okay, because ladies and gentlemen, I understand what’s going on,” he continued. “And I must admit, the more I think about it, I actually get flattered. Folks are scared. See, I talk too much, and I don’t speak glowingly enough about the Democratic Party. This is political. I am a registered independent. I am fair.”
“If I said this about a black female conservative, would we be having this conversation?” wondered Smith, who directly addressed past remarks about outgoing Texas Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D) — which he later apologized for — former Vice President Kamala Harris, former First Lady Michelle Obama and others.
He also called out Haines for seeking privacy after broadcasting accusations against him. Explaining that he invited her onto his program for a conversation, Smith detailed, “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.”
Now you want the conversation to be PRIVATE?!…
Watch my full response on Youtube Now! pic.twitter.com/wiwHi3T3Gz
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) August 17, 2026
In his initial reaction to the “award,” which Smith said he learned about while having dinner with his daughter, whom he was bringing to college, the commentator warned on X, “This is the epitome of Christmas arriving early. The @NABJ wants to call folks out, fine! You had your turn, now mine is coming. And make no mistake….., I’m coming. Let’s see who REALLY deserves a Thumbs Down award when it comes to the Black Community, after I say my peace! Remember @NABJ, you asked for it. I’ve shut my mouth for years. Now y’all started something.”
This is the epitome of Christmas arriving early. The @NABJ wants to call folks out, fine! You had your turn, now mine is coming. And make no mistake…..,I’m coming. Let’s see who REALLY deserves a Thumbs Down award when it comes to the Black Community, afterI say my peace!… https://t.co/ccE03ksAO1
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) August 16, 2026
Native of Brooklyn, NY, Kevin Haggerty is a graduate of Hunter College where he studied Cultural Anthropology and Geography. An avid reader and truth seeker, he currently resides in Texas with his wife and their dog and, when he isn't researching current events and their impacts, you'll find him spending time with friends and family or working on his next novel.
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