Is Stephen A. Smith finally about to get read for filth, and honey, we are HERE for it? Because the National Association of Black Journalists just served the ESPN personality a piping hot plate of accountability with a “Thumbs Down” award, and let’s just say Stephen A. is NOT taking it lying down.
During NABJ’s annual convention in Atlanta this past Saturday, the organization decided to give our controversial commentator the ultimate shade by calling out his “recurring public pattern of disparaging prominent Black women” across politics, sports, and media. OUCH. Talk about a mic drop moment that actually landed. The allegations are serious, folks, and the organization came prepared with receipts longer than a CVS receipt.
But wait, it gets spicier. Stephen A., never one to sit quietly while being dragged, is apparently gearing up for what he’s calling a “clapback.” According to reports, the sports commentator posted a cryptic message that basically screamed “Y’all started something!” Um, sir, the NABJ didn’t start anything—they simply finished what your mouth apparently started. The audacity! The nerve! The sheer confidence of a man about to get read to filth on national television!
What makes this particularly delicious is that Stephen A. has built an entire empire on his ability to go off on people, to criticize, to pontificate with the confidence of a man who’s never been told “no.” So watching him squirm under justified criticism is absolutely *chef’s kiss* television gold. The irony is thicker than his signature suit collection.
The Internet, naturally, is divided. Some are saying NABJ finally did what needed to be done, while others are defending Stephen A., claiming he’s just “telling it like it is.” But sweetie, there’s a difference between speaking truth to power and just being disrespectful to women—especially women of color—who deserve better than his public dismissals.
Sources close to the situation say Stephen A. is planning a response that will be “explosive.” We can’t wait to see what he’s cooking up, but honestly? The NABJ already won this round just by holding him accountable. That’s the real headline here.
So what do you think? A) NABJ was absolutely right to call out Stephen A. Smith’s behavior, B) Stephen A. is just being himself and people need to relax.