Stephen A. Smith calls NABJ's 'Thumbs Down' award a 'hit job'
- Posted on August 18, 2026
- By Los Angeles Times
- 1 Views
- 1 min read
In brief
ESPN's prominent sports commentator Stephen A. Smith has publicly criticized the National Association of Black Journalists' decision to award him a 'Thumbs Down' recognition, characterizing the move as an orchestrated attack rather than legitimate journalistic feedback. In a detailed video statement released through his YouTube platform, Smith expressed disappointment with what he perceives as an unwarranted and beneath-standard action by a respected professional organization, sparking broader conversation about media criticism and accountability standards.
Summary auto-generated by AI from the original publisher's content. Editorial standards.
Stephen A. Smith calls NABJ's 'Thumbs Down' award a 'hit job'
In a video posted on his YouTube channel Monday, the ESPN sports commentator called the 'Thumbs Down' award given by the National Assn. of Black Journalists 'beneath the organization.'
