Prominent ESPN and podcast host and Winston-Salem State graduate Stephen A. Smith has responded to a diss by the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) with pointed commentary while announcing a series of projects he is helming.
Smith was given the ‘Thumbs Down’ award last week at the NABJ convention in Atlanta for what the organization dubbed “a pattern of disparaging commentary directed at prominent Black women across politics, sports and media.” He said the award may be the “lowest” insult he has ever received.
In a 44-minute response on his YouTube channel Monday afternoon, Smith called the award bu——! He chronicled his efforts to support the NABJ including bringing his First Take ESPN show twice to the conference and how his career began at the NABJ job fair.
“This is not about disparaging women,” Smith said of the award. “I don’t speak glowingly enough about the Democratic Party. This is political. If I said this about a black female conservative, any of the things that I’ve said about Jasmine Crockett, Kamala Harris, Michelle Obama, would we be having this conversation? Would you have given me the Thumbs Down award if I had said that about a Sage Steele, a Candace Owens, or if I had said this about a Condoleezxa Rice.
“This is political.”
Smith added at the end of the 44-minute response, “I’m about to ink a deal where we’re broadcasting HBCU basketball games. I’m gonna need some Black folks working for me. As talent and producers and beyond.” He did not say where the games will air. Smith teased more content coming for his Straight Shooter Media including deals that have been “greenlit” reportedly with ABC and Amazon.
