NFL players, coaches, and employees across the league have been reacting to the assassination of Charlie Kirk. The Republican Activist was shot and killed while speaking at a University in Utah. However, not all reactions were respectful, one employee has been fired from his job for what he had to say.
A NFL employee who made fun of Charlie Kirk’s assassination gets fired
Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, speaks during a Unite and Win rally held by Turning Point Action at the Arizona Financial Theatre on Aug. 14, 2022, in Phoenix. Kirk and Pastor Rob McCoy of Newbury Park work in tandem to encourage pastors to become politically active.
In response to a comment made this week about Charlie Kirk’s death, one Carolina Panthers employee faced a ton of backlash:
Kirk, 31, was shot in the neck during an event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday. He was later pronounced dead at Timpanogos Regional Hospital. Utah Gov. Spencer Cox has labeled this shooting a “political assassination.” The FBI is on the hunt for the shooter.
Shortly after Kirk’s death was confirmed, Charlie Rock, a football communications coordinator for the Panthers, posted an insensitive message on social media. He shared an old video of the Turning Point USA co-founder along with this caption: “Why are yall sad? Your man said it was worth it.”
Rock’s post also included a nod to the Wu-Tang Clan song “Protect Ya Neck.”
Several fans voiced their concerns about Rock’s social media activity. That led to the Panthers taking action.
“The views expressed by our employees are their own and do not represent those of the Carolina Panthers,” the team said in a statement. “We do not condone violence of any kind. We are taking this matter very seriously and have accordingly addressed it with the individual.”
According to Scott Fowler of The Charlotte Observer, the Panthers have parted ways with Rock.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell points to a fan in the crowd during the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The draft runs through April 26.
Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
Rock joined Carolina’s communications department in 2024 as an intern before being promoted to a full-time role.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell welcomes fans to the 2025 NFL Draft before the first round on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The draft runs through April 26.
Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
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