Silver Fox Twin Roy Reacts to NABJ Giving Stephen A. Smith a "Thumbs-down" Award

ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith got made and went on Fox commentator Sean Hannity's talk show to complain after the National Association of Black Journalists gave him a "thumbs down" award.

Written by Roy L. Williams, Silver Fox Twin and former journalist-Birmingham, Alabama

Silver Fox Twin Roy Reacts: Stephen A. Smith Takes His NABJ Beef to Fox News — Was the Thumbs Down Award Deserved?

After decades as an NABJ member, Roy Williams says he gave the organization a “stand-up hand clap” for calling out the ESPN personality.

When I first heard that the National Association of Black Journalists gave ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith its 2026 “Thumbs Down” Award at its annual convention in Atlanta, I wanted to give my former journalism organization a stand-up hand clap.

I was a member of NABJ and the Birmingham Association of Black Journalists (BABJ) for decades during my journalism career, so I know what the organization represents and why this award matters. After decades as an NABJ member, I gave the organization a stand-up hand clap when I heard about the award.

NABJ got this one right.

So, Silver Fox Twin Roy wants to know:

Did Stephen A. Smith deserve the NABJ's 2026 “Thumbs Down” Award?

Do you agree with NABJ — or do you think Stephen A. is being unfairly targeted?

And what did you think about him taking his beef with NABJ to Sean Hannity and Fox News?

Do you like Stephen A. Smith — or do you change the channel when he comes on, like I do?

Leave your thoughts in the comments.

Let me be honest: I have never been a Stephen A. Smith fan.

I have always considered him a loud, know-it-all, over-the-top television personality. There are plenty of sports analysts — Black and white — who I believe are more knowledgeable, more measured and don't need to shout to make their point.

But here's where I have a problem with his response.

Why take the fight to Sean Hannity?

Smith could have addressed NABJ directly. He could have laid out his case on his own podcast. He could have gone on ESPN. He could have written a detailed response explaining why he believes the award was wrong.

Instead, he went on Hannity to defend himself.

And that's what I found so ironic.

Stephen A. is an enormously successful Black sports personality who has spent years building a massive platform, yet when a Black journalism organization criticized him, he chose a conservative talk show host as the place to fight back?

That decision has now generated a backlash of its own, with critics accusing Smith of essentially “running to Hannity to cry.”

And Stephen A. certainly isn't some struggling sports commentator trying to make ends meet. Online estimates have placed his annual earnings from ESPN, appearances and endorsements at around $40 million, although exact compensation figures aren't publicly confirmed.

That kind of success comes with an enormous platform — and, in my opinion, an enormous responsibility. I'm not saying Stephen A. isn't allowed to criticize whoever he wants. But there is a difference between legitimate criticism and repeatedly making comments that an organization representing Black journalists believes cross the line.

That's the debate we should be having.

As for me? Bravo to NABJ for taking Stephen A. Smith to the woodshed in its thumbs-down award.

The Silver Fox Williams Twins. 2 silver-white beards. 2 Continents, 1 in USA, 1 in Europe. Celebrating aging gracefully, commentating about sports, travel, family & enjoying life.