Stephen A. Smith kept his promise to respond to the National Association of Black Journalists after receiving a thumbs down “award” at a gala this past weekend. Smith said the mention was the “lowest” insult he’s ever received and that it was political in nature.
What We Know: Smith addressed the “Thumbs Down” award on his YouTube platform days after NABJ’s Atlanta ceremony. He called the honor unfair while insisting he’ll keep supporting NABJ’s members and mission going forward. He also revealed he’d invited NABJ president Errin Haines onto his platform to discuss her comments. According to Smith, she declined a public conversation and asked for a private one instead.
What They Said: (All comments via Stephen A. Smith YouTube):
Stephen A Smith on the NABJ thumbs down mention: “Saturday night, I saw the president of the organization, Errin Haines, go up on stage and give me a thumbs down award for disparaging black women. I received a lot of insults in my day. That might be the lowest.”
Stephen A Smith says the NABJ was wrong to award the thumbs down award: “It is BS. I get a lot of people [that] want to pile on and they want to jump on it because you have your own individual feelings about me. I’m here to tell you, y’all are entitled to that. Not the NABJ. You’re not entitled to that.”
Stephen A Smith believes the thumbs down mention was political in nature: “This ain’t about disparaging women. This is about people who’ve politicized everything, looking for an excuse to come at me, because you don’t like what I have to say. I’m gonna put it out there. This is about a bunch of liberals, a bunch of Democrats coming for me. Which is why I should be flattered. Cause you hear the footsteps, don’t you? You know, at any given moment, I can decide to come at it. I can decide to run. Cause with the stuff that I’m seeing, it wouldn’t be hard to win.”
Stephen A Smith on NABJ president Errin Haines denying to join Smith on his platform to discuss: “I reached out last night and asked the president of the NABJ to come on this show. To have a conversation with me about her assertions that she articulated on that stage. Do you know what she said to me? She’d rather have a private, off-the-air conversation first. Oh, really? So you can go on a public platform, and denigrate me. Make these accusations against me without calling. But when I challenge you to come on here face to face and have a conversation with me, now we want a private conversation before? Nah, I will never speak to her because the deed is done.”
Stephen A. Smith says he will continue to support NABJ: “Whether you deserve it or not, I will be right there continuously to help the organization. To help all my boys associated with the organization. Especially the sports task force. I will never abandon my brothers… I’m here. I’ll never abandon the organization. But I won’t forget the few board members and what you tried to do. It was wrong, totally wrong. I will strive to do better. Will you?”
What Remains Unclear: Whether Errin Haines will publicly respond to Smith’s account remains unknown. Smith says she preferred a private exchange, but she hasn’t confirmed that publicly. It’s also unclear if any NABJ board members will address his sharper accusations.
What It Means: Stephen A. Smith did not hold back in his personal feelings about an organization he has fully supported for many years. While the award may seem small on it’s face, after years of support, Smith’s pledge to continue his support is extraordinary. However, Smith’s response deepens the standoff rather than settling it. His blend of loyalty and defiance complicates any quick reconciliation with NABJ. Meanwhile, declining an on-air challenge could look evasive to some observers. Either way, this story isn’t complete yet.
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John Mamola is Barrett Media’s sports editor and daily sports columnist. He brings over two decades of experience (Chicago, Tampa/St Petersburg) in the broadcast industry with expertise in brand management, sales, promotions, producing, imaging, hosting, talent coaching, talent development, web development, social media strategy and design, video production, creative writing, partnership building, communication/networking with a long track record of growth and success. He is a five-time recognized top 20 program director in a major market via Barrett Medi’s Top 20 series and has been honored internally multiple times as station/brand of the year (Tampa, FL) and employee of the month (Tampa, FL) by iHeartMedia. Connect with John by email at John@BarrettMedia.com.