Stephen A. Smith Does Mob Boss Routine After NABJ Snub

BY Alexander Cole
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Jun 5, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Stephen A. Smith looks on before the game between the San Antonio Spurs and the New York Knicks in game two of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Stephen A. Smith received the "Thumbs Down" award from the National Association of Black Journalists, and he is not happy about it.

Stephen A. Smith has been the subject of criticism over the last few years amid his political pivot. The First Take host has been ingratiating himself with right-wing pundits like Sean Hannity, Ben Shapiro, and many others. Meanwhile, his rhetoric has become increasingly aligned with the Republican Party.

This has ultimately led to some feeling as though he is selling out the black community. In fact, over the weekend, the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) set their sights on Smith. They awarded Stephen A. with the "Thumbs Down" award for the way he has conducted himself over the last year.

Just last year, the NABJ invited Smith and First Take to their stage. This year, the tone was much different as Smith continues his right-wing descent. That said, Smith was made aware of the award, and he immediately jumped into his mob boss routine, threatening the NABJ with a rant that will likely take place either today or tomorrow.

Stephen A. Smith Calls Out The NABJ

"This is the epitome of Christmas arriving early," Smith wrote. "The @NABJ wants to call folks out, fine! You had your turn, now mine is coming. And make no mistake…..,I’m coming. Let’s see who REALLY deserves a Thumbs Down award when it comes to the Black Community, after I say my peace! Remember @NABJ, you asked for it. I’ve shut my mouth for years. Now y’all started something."

Smith's mob boss routine has become his schtick as of late. Every time he is criticized, he acts as though the sky is falling. It is as if some great injustice has been imposed upon him.

While his supporters love this tactic, there is no denying that the average person can see through it.

About The Author
Alexander Cole is the current editor-in-chief of HotNewHipHop. He started at HotNewHipHop back in 2018 where he began as a Sports and Sneakers writer. It was here where he began to hone his craft, putting his journalism degree from Concordia University in Montreal, Quebec, to good use. Since that time, he has documented some of the biggest stories in the hip-hop world. From the Kendrick Lamar and Drake beef to the disturbing allegations against Diddy, Alex has helped HotNewHipHop navigate large-scale stories as they happen. In 2021, he went to the Bahamas for the Big 3's Championship Game. It was here where he got to interview legendary figures like Ice Cube, Clyde Drexler, and Stephen Jackson. He has also interviewed other superstar athletes such as Antonio Brown, Damian Lillard, and Paul Pierce. This is in addition to conversations with social media provocateurs like Jake Paul, and younger respected artists like Kaycyy, Lil Tecca, and Jeleel!