Stephen A. addresses the National Association of Black Journalists after receiving its “Thumbs Down” award and he has plenty to say. In this special edition of *Straight Shooter*, Stephen A. responds directly to the NABJ board members behind the decision, challenges the accusation that he has “disparaged Black women,” and demands to see the facts supporting that claim. He reflects on his decades-long relationship with the NABJ, from attending its job fair early in his career to bringing First Take to the organization’s convention, mentoring aspiring journalists, supporting Black professionals throughout the industry and continuing to create opportunities through his own media company. Stephen A. also addresses his past commentary involving Jasmine Crockett, Michelle Obama, Kamala Harris and Serena Williams, arguing there is a major distinction between criticizing or questioning someone and disparaging them. But the conversation goes even deeper. Stephen A. argues that the controversy has become political, questions whether his willingness to criticize Democrats and liberals played a role in the decision, and explains why he believes the award amounted to a personal “smear job” rather than an objective journalistic critique. Stephen A. makes one thing clear: he still supports the mission of the NABJ, its Sports Task Force and the aspiring Black journalists the organization serves. Connect with me on social media: Twitter: https://x.com/stephenasmith Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephenasmith/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@stephenasmith Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stephena/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-a-smith-763b31194/