An NBA beat writer was fired over social media comments he made on the death of Charlie Kirk.
Gerald Bourguet, a Suns beat reporter for PHNX Sports, wrote a series of posts on X that set off an uproar on the platform after the conservative political commentator was shot and killed during an event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday.
“’Political differences’ are not the same thing as spewing hateful rhetoric on a daily basis, and refusing to mourn a life devoted to that cause is not the same thing as celebrating gun violence,” Bourguet’s X thread on Wednesday began. “Just so we’re 100% clear on that.”
“If you’re saddened by today’s ‘political violence,’ horrified by the video, or repulsed by my response, ask yourself why your reaction was different when it came to school shootings, mass deportations or the HUNDREDS of videos of horrific murders in Gaza (which Kirk cheered on),” Bourguet wrote in another post.
“Truly don’t care if you think it’s insensitive or poor timing to decline to respect an evil man who died. Too many of you are more concerned with being polite and appearing to be good people rather than showing some damn backbone and standing on principal to condemn hate,” Bourguet addded.
PHNX Sports did not refer to Bourguet by name in a statement announcing the dismissal, but the Arizona Republic confirmed he was the one to go.
“The opinions expressed by our employees do not represent the views of PHNX or ALLCITY Network,” the company wrote on X. “We take matters involving violence very seriously and are committed to ensuring that ALLCITY remains a safe place for our employees and community alike. We have addressed this matter with the individual and made the decision to part ways.”
Bourguet is the second known figure in the sports world to be fired for social media posts about Kirk.
The NFL’s Panthers fired Charlie Rock, a communications coordinator, on Thursday for an “insensitive social media post” after the fatal shooting.
“The views expressed by our employees are their own and do not represent those of the Carolina Panthers. We do not condone violence of any kind. We are taking this matter very seriously and have accordingly addressed it with the individual,” the team said in a statement.
On Wednesday night, Kirk was honored by the Yankees, who held a moment of silence ahead of their game against the Tigers.
Giants rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart condemned the shooting, calling the assassination of Kirk “disgusting and sad” in a social media post.