Sportscaster Stephen A. Smith recently received the National Black Journalists Association’s ‘Thumbs Down’ award. Smith drew the ire of the NABJ for a ‘recurring public pattern of disparaging public commentary directed at prominent black women across politics, sports and media.’ In other words, any criticism, real or perceived, against black women (Democrats) is not allowed because they’re black.
Essentially, he’s being accused of race betrayal. Podcasters Don Lemon and Jemele Hill had a struggle session over Smith. It turns out, he has used his platform to help many black people in broadcasting and journalism over the years. Lemon and Hill don't know how to feel about that.
Here’s more. (WATCH)
Jemele Hill and Don Lemon say Stephen A. Smith has become problematic because he's been hosting "certain" people and hanging out with them.
They feel that he is, in a way, betraying "black journalism."
This comes after the NABJ gave Smith its 'Thumbs Down' award, citing his commentary about black women, Jasmine Crockett being among them.
Lemon and Hill fret about Smith being ‘problematic’ because he shares his platform with people they don’t agree with politically. Heavens no! (WATCH)
Jemele Hill and Don Lemon say Stephen A. Smith has become problematic because he's been hosting "certain" people and hanging out with thempic.twitter.com/An7MdDDjdc
— Defiant L’s (@DefiantLs) August 18, 2026
They feel that he is in a way betraying "black journalism"
This comes after the NABJ gave Smith its 'Thumbs Down'…
How DARE he step ONE foot off the plantation!!
— Never Give Up...🇮🇱 (@PCGalloway) August 18, 2026
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‘Stop him, he’s escaping to normalcy!’
Smith called out the hypocrisy of the ‘award’ because he knows he would never have received it if he talked negatively about conservative black women. He concludes that the NABJ is mad because he dared to challenge black female Democrats. (WATCH)
This morning on God Bless America 28:
— Eric Abbenante (@EricAbbenante) August 18, 2026
Stephen A Smith calls out the NABJ for giving him a 'thumbs down' grade (Only 4 individuals have ever received in their history)
"If I said this about a black female conservative. Would we be having this convo?"
655am CST 🧵 pic.twitter.com/2eFs4ilaMx
There would be no conversation, but likely praise for disparaging black female conservatives.
Posters noticed that for someone obsessed with blackness, Hill appears to be trying to be white.
Has anyone else noticed that Jamele has appropriated white cuture by straightening her hair and dying it blonde? I thought cultural appropriation was a bad thing.
— Mr. Lincoln 🇺🇲 🇳🇬 (@lincmorris) August 18, 2026
She's handsome, if you find Charles Barkley handsome.
— That Guy You Like 🇺🇸🇪🇸 (@craigtherandall) August 18, 2026
I can't unsee this pic.twitter.com/QWUkBzOEiE
— Ramen Cash🍜💵 (@RamenCash) August 18, 2026
Rumor is they are the same person because nobody has ever seen them together! 🤔
— Mike Mathews (@mmathews028) August 18, 2026
We're going to drop the ‘Sir’ from ‘Sir Charles’ until we see them side-by-side in the same room.
Commenters wonder what ‘black journalism’ is and how it’s determined who gets to decide if it is being properly practiced.
What exactly constitutes "black journalism"?
— Vito (@vitoknowz) August 18, 2026
Seems like adhoc tribalism designed to shun those who aren't following groupthink
— Rip on the Dip (@riponthedip) August 18, 2026
"What exactly constitutes "black journalism"?"
— !!LeCHIVÓ¡¡ (@LeGOAT72223874) August 18, 2026
Dems = GOOD, Repubs = EVIL
“Black journalism” is kind of like “trans woman”. In other words, it is not real journalism.
— dtwelch53 (@dtwelch53) August 18, 2026
It’s niche writing that is not in demand. One would be a better, more versatile writer by ditching skin color as a criterion for journalism.
Posters say they respect Smith for stating his opinion instead of seeking approval from the NABJ and others.
There are a lot of things I don’t agree with Stephen A. Smith on, but it’s hard not to respect the guy. He holds his own opinions and has open and public discourse.
— R Benjamin (@MrRBMD) August 18, 2026
He often makes some great points and seems to have common sense, but he often folds to the woke pro -blacks. He needs to stop doing that. Stick to his guns and beliefs.
— Brian Kuhn (@GoRavens1008) August 18, 2026
I hate it when any group feels like they are the gatekeepers for ay race, sex, nationality. This is where true bigotry lies.
— LiMar Jenk (@Lismarjen) August 18, 2026
Yeah they aren't into open discourse. They debate no one.
— sixtolezcano (@sixtolezcano4) August 18, 2026
Smith is smart enough not to put himself in a box; he’s certainly not going to allow the NABJ, Lemon, or Hill to put him in one.
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