ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith sounded off on the National Association of Black Journalists’ decision to give him the “Thumbs Down” award, noting the organization will “regret” it.
During a Monday appearance on Fox News’ “Hannity,” Smith weighed in on the snub from the NABJ, which he was given for his alleged “recurring public pattern of disparaging commentary directed at prominent Black women across politics, sports and media.”
However, Smith felt this was an inaccurate summary of his career, blasting it as “utterly ridiculous.”
“I was raised by five Black women. My mother, God rest her soul, and my four older sisters,” he told host Sean Hannity. “I have two daughters, I have 10 nieces. I don’t know what the hell they’re talking about.”
He continued: “I find it highly offensive that they would label me in this way, give me a thumbs down award specifically for disparaging Black women. I want everybody out there to know, there’s no such thing. That did not happen. That is a flat out lie.”
As Smith went on, he acknowledged that he may’ve disagreed with Jasmine Crockett, Kamala Harris and Michelle Obama in the past on certain topics or policies, but defended “that is all that I have done.”
“My point is, whether you agree or disagree, how does the word ‘disparaging’ come into play?” he sounded off. “Or to talk about me degrading, denigrating Black women? No. I have had a difference of opinion about something that they may have said and that is all. But a journalistic organization thats foundation is supposed to be based on objectivity – and most importantly uplifting African Americans within the journalism industry – well, excuse me. What have I accomplished in my career?”
Smith then highlighted his credentials, including the fact that he’s set to be inducted into the Broadcasting and Cable Hall of Fame.
Despite his apparent frustrations, Smith maintained that he was not going to let the insult get the best of him, instead vowing to be even “more intense” moving forward.
“They will regret it because I’m not going away. If anything they made me more intense. They’ve made me more adamant about my position – and the manner in which I go about doing what I do,” he said. “Nobody is going to intimidate me from being who I am, and that is a fair minded individual.”
He added: “I’m not backing up one inch. As far as I’m concerned, all they’ve done is stirred me up.”
Watch the highlights from his Fox News interview above. A representative for the NABJ did not immediately respond to TheWrap’s request for comment.
