I Was Blindsided by NABJ - Now I’m Responding

Tue, 18 Aug 2026 01:33:15 +0000

Stephen A. addresses the National Association of Black Journalists after receiving its “Thumbs Down” award and he has plenty to say.

In this special edition of *Straight Shooter*, Stephen A. responds directly to the NABJ board members behind the decision, challenges the accusation that he has “disparaged Black women,” and demands to see the facts supporting that claim.

He reflects on his decades-long relationship with the NABJ, from attending its job fair early in his career to bringing First Take to the organization’s convention, mentoring aspiring journalists, supporting Black professionals throughout the industry and continuing to create opportunities through his own media company.

Stephen A. also addresses his past commentary involving Jasmine Crockett, Michelle Obama, Kamala Harris and Serena Williams, arguing there is a major distinction between criticizing or questioning someone and disparaging them.

But the conversation goes even deeper.

Stephen A. argues that the controversy has become political, questions whether his willingness to criticize Democrats and liberals played a role in the decision, and explains why he believes the award amounted to a personal “smear job” rather than an objective journalistic critique.

Stephen A. makes one thing clear: he still supports the mission of the NABJ, its Sports Task Force and the aspiring Black journalists the organization serves.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Stephen A. Reacts to the NABJ “Thumbs Down” Award
01:30 “That Doesn’t Negate the BS”
02:37 His History With the NABJ
04:42 The Accusation That Crossed the Line
05:45 Who Has Received the “Thumbs Down” Award?
06:30 Reflecting on 33 Years in Journalism
08:52 Why He Refused to Let It Go
09:35 “What Does This Have to Do With Journalism?”
10:21 Responding to the Jasmine Crockett Criticism
11:43 His Comments About Michelle Obama
12:59 Addressing Kamala Harris
14:59 Stephen A. Says He Did His Research
15:54 “Where Are Your Facts?”
16:12 Addressing the Serena Williams Controversy
16:54 Cari Champion, Jemele Hill & Criticism
17:19 His Relationship With Black Women
18:02 The Culture Table & Creating Opportunities
19:40 “You Don’t Have Facts. You Have Feelings.”
20:40 Stephen A. Calls It a “Personal Hit Job”
22:23 “Folks Are Scared”
22:41 Stephen A. Says the Issue Is Political
23:38 Would This Happen With Conservative Black Women?
24:15 His Political Record on Straight Shooter
25:38 Why He Says He Strives to Be Fair
26:14 Looking Back at His Journalism Career
27:13 “Where Did I Disparage Black Women?”
28:17 The Black Women Who Shaped His Life
29:17 “That Was a Flat-Out Lie”
29:46 Stephen A. Says He Was Blindsided
30:19 NABJ President Requests a Private Conversation
31:12 His Relationship With the NABJ Sports Task Force
31:50 “This Ain’t About Women”
32:19 Could Stephen A. Run for Office?
33:28 Why He Still Supports the NABJ
34:12 His Message to the Board Members
35:24 “I Was Good Enough Until I Wasn’t There”
36:27 Disney, NABJ & Supporting Black Journalists
37:18 “Where Are Your Facts?”
37:38 Stephen A.’s Closing Argument
39:12 Journalism, Objectivity & the “Smear Job”
40:02 His Plans to Keep Creating Opportunities
40:26 HBCU Basketball & New Jobs Coming
41:19 Ryan Clark, Shannon Sharpe & Michael Irvin
41:34 Building a New Podcast Network
43:28 Final Message to the NABJ Board
43:43 “I Will Strive to Do Better. Will You?”
43:55 Why Journalists Are Supposed to Disrupt

Connect with me on social media:
Twitter: https://x.com/stephenasmith
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephenasmith/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@stephenasmith
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stephena/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/st....ephen-a-smith-763b31