‘You Asked for It.’ ESPN’s Smith Vows Retaliation After Black Journo Association Gives Him Thumbs Down

The National Association of Black Journalists and one of its most visible members are on the cusp of what could be a very bitter, public feud. During the organization’s annual Salute to Excellence dinner Saturday night in Atlanta, the organization presented ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith with a “Thumbs Down Award.” NABJ cited Mr. Smith for “a recurring public pattern of disparaging commentary directed at prominent black women across politics, sports, and media.”