Stephen A Smith Faces NABJ Accountability | Birmingham News

Birmingham AL News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Aug 19, 2026 · 1m

Stephen A. Smith got a “Thumbs Down” award from the National Association of Black Journalists for repeatedly targeting prominent Black women in media, sports, and politics — a pattern NABJ says reinforces damaging stereotypes. While Smith initially said he’d reflect and improve, he quickly flipped, calling the award “bulls---” and defending himself on Fox News, sparking backlash and turning what could’ve been a private conversation into a public feud. NABJ President Errin Haines now urges a calm, private dialogue to foster accountability and growth — hoping this moment can lead to real…