Charlie Kirk’s assassination has drawn strong reactions across sports and media. Former NFL linebacker Emmanuel Acho is facing backlash over his viral comments about the late activist, while the Joe Burrow Foundation moved quickly to cut ties with a board member who made remarks about the shooting.
Emmanuel Acho faces heat for inaccurate claims about Charlie Kirk in viral TikTok and YouTube videos
Emmanuel Acho posted multiple clips following Charlie Kirk’s death on Wednesday in Utah. He opened with condolences before shifting to sharp criticism of Kirk’s beliefs on gun rights.“But Charlie Kirk, he proudly stated that death by guns is a price we have to pay for our second amendment rights, and he said that it was worth it. And so, I’ve been torn…because at times it almost feels like me mourning his death by gun is the opposite of what he stood for, is the opposite of what he said, is the opposite of what he believed.”The former Philadelphia Eagles linebacker also accused Charlie Kirk of racism. One example was built on a mistake: Acho misinterpreted Kirk calling out commentator Cenk Uygur’s name, which he thought was a racial slur. Despite corrections, Acho did not retract his claim.Acho added that Kirk’s comments about Michelle Obama and Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson showed harmful attitudes toward Black leaders.“Referred to Michelle Obama and Ketanji Brown Jackson of the Supreme Court, both Harvard graduates, as not having the brain processing power to be taken seriously. Suggested that if they see a black pilot, they would assume they were a DEI hire.”In another video, Emmanuel Acho said Kirk should not be remembered as a hero or a demon, calling instead for people to humanize him. “Charlie Kirk’s death has really shaken me to the core the last 36 hours…We have other people trying to memorialize him, and I do not believe he was a hero.”Some NFL teams held moments of silence for Charlie Kirk over the weekend, while others chose not to. The league coordinated a tribute during Thursday’s Packers-Commanders game but left Sunday’s decision to each home team. The Cowboys and Titans honored Kirk, while the Bengals, Lions, Ravens, and Steelers declined. Pittsburgh instead lowered stadium flags to half-staff.
Joe Burrow Foundation removes Hamilton County Judge Ted Berry from its advisory board over comments on Kirk
The Joe Burrow Foundation issued a statement Friday confirming it had removed a board member after they made inappropriate remarks about Charlie Kirk’s assassination.“The Joe Burrow Foundation was founded on the belief that everyone has the responsibility to do good. We have terminated an advisory board member that made inappropriate remarks in light of recent events and they are no longer associated with the foundation. Their comments do not reflect our values or our mission. We are committed to accountability and respect for all.”Fox 19 NOW identified the individual as Hamilton County Judge Ted Berry. The removal underscored the foundation’s commitment to its mission of addressing youth mental health and food insecurity.Charlie Kirk, 31, co-founded Turning Point USA. He was shot in the neck Wednesday while speaking at Utah Valley University. Police arrested 22-year-old Tyler Robinson after a 33-hour manhunt. Kirk is survived by his wife and two children.
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