08/26/2026
When did tearing each other down on a public stage become better than having a direct conversation?
The NABJ recently gave Stephen A. Smith a "thumbs down" award. But when you actually look at the facts and look at the receipts, the math isn't adding up:
💥 **The Hires:** Look at how many doors he’s opened for Black media voices—Shannon Sharpe, Carmelo Anthony, Kendrick Perkins, Monica McNutt, and the list goes on.
💥 **The Investment:** Bringing *First Take* live to HBCUs and the NABJ convention over the past two years to highlight Black excellence.
💥 **The Method:** Issuing a public "thumbs down" without picking up the phone or inviting him to a real debate isn't accountability—it’s friendly fire.
Disagreeing with someone's commentary is one thing. But ignoring someone's entire track record of building seats at the table just to land a public blow doesn't move the collective forward.
Before we try to tear down people who are actually building institutional power, we need to ask one simple question: **Where are the receipts?** 🧾
👇 **I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU:**
Did the NABJ cross the line with this callout, or was their critique justified? Drop your take in the comments!
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*(🔗 Link to the full unfiltered video breakdown is pinned in the first comment!)*
