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

Seven massive shutouts dominated Week 1 of the Gwinnett Football League! Scoop Jones breaks down the GFL 11U youth football highlights, top team rankings, and Week 2 predictions.

Looking for the best youth football highlights and analysis in Georgia? In this episode of The Alexander Scoop Jones Report, Scoop and Linda Sunshine dive deep into the insane Week 1 results of the GFL 11U division.

With 7 shutouts across the league, we break down exactly what happened on the field, including Buford-Green's massive 25-0 upset over Grayson-Gold, Gainesville's unstoppable bubble screen, and Norcross hanging 35 points on Archer.

Plus, we reveal the first official Scoop Power Index Rankings! Find out why Buford-White is ranked #1 without playing a snap, and where powerhouse teams like North Gwinnett, Lawrenceville Black Knights, and Collins Hill land.

Stick around until the end for our GFL Week 2 predictions, including the highly anticipated Game of the Week matchup between Gainesville and North Gwinnett.

If you want to learn youth football defensive schemes, offensive cheat codes, and see who runs Gwinnett County, study the tape with us!

00:00 Intro
00:45 Welcome to the episode
03:23 GFL Week 1 Results
13:00 Scoop Power Index
16:50 Week 2 Predictions
20:30 The 4 Takeaways and Final Thoughts
22:00 Outro
22:45 The Equation of Kings now available on Amazon

We want to hear from YOU!
Who are you taking in our Game of the Week? Will it be Grayson-Green or Mountain View? Drop your predictions and score guesses in the comments below!

Connect with Us:
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexanderscoopjones/

Follow us on Twitter/X: https://x.com/alexscoopjones

Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profi....le.php?id=6158904144

Don't forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and HIT THE BELL 🔔 so you never miss a GFL update this season!

The Equation of Kings is an original book written by Alexander "Scoop" Jones published under Coach B Entertainment. It is book 1 of the 3 part Twin Kings Trilogy. It is available on Amazon at https://a.co/d/00yEHqYH

Watch all the incredible auditions from American Idol 2025 GRAND FINALE! This exciting episode features jaw-dropping performances, unforgettable talent, and standout contestants that will leave you amazed. Get ready to witness emotional moments, powerful voices, and incredible talent as the judges discover the next big star. Don’t miss the performances that will have you on the edge of your seat – only on American Idol 2025!

Best Performances of American Idol 2025 👇👇
https://www.youtube.com/playli....st?list=PL_cExqxU9ah

Are you ready for the ultimate talent showcase? American Idol 2025 is here, bringing together judges Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie, and hosted by Ryan Seacrest. Get ready for thrilling auditions, emotional performances, and unforgettable moments that will leave you inspired!

Watch MORE Talent Replay Here: @talentreplay

#talentreplay #americanidol #idol2025 #idolaudition #idolseason23 #top3

Judges:
Luke Bryan
Carrie Underwood
Lionel Richie

Welcome to Day 1 of the official Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival livestream.

Live only on YouTube from the comfort of your living room or wherever you are.

Watch up to 4 stages at the same time in multiview* from your TV.

Shop exclusive merch and chat live with fans around the world.

Click ‘Notify Me’ to get a reminder when the livestream begins and check out the latest Sahara schedule below to see who’s performing all weekend.

SAHARA SCHEDULE
(All times PDT, schedule is subject to change)

Friday, April 11:
4:00pm - Livestream begins
4:00pm - Chris Lorenzo
5:15pm - Three 6 Mafia
6:10pm - Sara Landry
7:15pm - Austin Millz
7:45pm - LISA
9:10pm - Yeat
10:25pm - GloRilla
11:50pm - Mustard
[Rebroadcast]

Saturday, April 12:
4:00pm - Live music returns
4:10pm - Alok
5:25pm - Disco Lines
6:30pm - Talón
6:45pm - Shoreline Mafia
7:35pm - salute
8:35pm - ENHYPEN
9:50pm - Mau P
11:30pm - Keinemusik
[Rebroadcast]

Sunday, April 13:
4:00pm - Live music returns
4:00pm - Interplanetary Criminal
5:00pm - Ben Böhmer
5:50pm - Tom Breu
6:00pm - Sammy Virji
7:00pm - Boris Brejcha
8:10pm - Chase & Status
9:35pm - Ty Dolla $ign
10:55pm - XG
[Rebroadcast]

Catch the rest of the Coachella livestreams here:

Main Stage: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2FzDMuJ5pI
Outdoor Theatre: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxwawRL_nY8
Sahara: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afO7r8TQTSw
Mojave: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BajnpDN6vG8
Gobi: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kg-KswkXoBg
Sonora: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdHrgLciYWw
Quasar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1MOJG5VTh-Y

Download the official Coachella Livestream app to view the full schedule synced to your time zone, create a personalized livestream schedule, and set reminders so you don't miss your favorite sets, available exclusively on YouTube.
iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/....coachella-livestream
Android: https://play.google.com/store/....apps/details?id=com.

*Device and content restrictions apply. Multiview feature not available on mobile and desktop devices for Coachella.

Relive the biggest moments from the inaugural Freedom 250 Grand Prix as the NTT INDYCAR SERIES takes on the Streets of Washington, D.C. for the first time in a historic 250-mile battle through the nation’s capital. Featuring Kyle Kirkwood, Alex Palou, David Malukas, Scott McLaughlin and more.

Watch more content from Washington, D.C. weekend here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL948kNhk-wMviiIXV9gFsSVESzohFpU8-&si=SMND4Y6-VbudNuFr

Don't forget to subscribe now! https://www.youtube.com/INDYCAR

📆 Watch every 2026 race on FOX

Saturday, Aug. 29 at Milwaukee Mile Race 1
Sunday, Aug. 30 at Milwaukee Mile Race 2
Sunday, Sept. 6 at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca

📲 Download the Official INDYCAR App powered by NTT DATA: https://www.indycar.com/mobile-app

➡ Follow the NTT INDYCAR SERIES on:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indycar/
X: https://www.twitter.com/indycar/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/indycar/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@INDYCAR/

💻 Get the latest INDYCAR news, highlights, schedule, driver profiles and more: https://www.indycar.com/

👕 Rep your favorite driver and team with the latest official gear from the INDYCAR Shop: https://shop.indycar.com/

🖥 Add our free INDYCAR Chrome extension, powered by Yahoo! https://indyc.co/yahoo

About the NTT INDYCAR SERIES

The NTT INDYCAR SERIES is North America’s premier open-wheel auto racing series. It features an international field of the world's most versatile drivers – including four-time and reigning series champion Alex Palou, 2026 Indianapolis 500 winner Felix Rosenqvist, six-time series champion Scott Dixon and two-time series champion Josef Newgarden – who compete on superspeedways, short ovals, street circuits and permanent road courses.

FOX Sports is the exclusive U.S. television home for INDYCAR.

#indycar #autoracing #racing