Sage Steele, a former ESPN anchor, has made a public appeal to major American sports leagues, urging them to issue statements and express condolences to the family of Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist who was tragically murdered.
Steele's call to action draws a parallel to the widespread reactions following the death of George Floyd, a figure whose passing prompted numerous statements from sports organizations.
"Dear pro sports leagues: Looking forward to seeing you release statements & send condolences to Charlie Kirks family after he was murdered for his political beliefs. You know kinda like you did when career criminal George Floyd died,"
Steele remarked, addressing prominent leagues such as the NFL, NBA, WNBA, MLB, and NHL.
According to Breitbart, Kirk, aged 31, was fatally shot while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University. As the founder of Turning Point USA, Kirk was a prominent figure in conservative circles, leaving behind a grieving wife and two children.
Steele, who previously sued ESPN over her removal from the air following comments about President Barack Obama and the COVID-19 vaccine, joined countless others in paying tribute to Kirk on social media. Her message resonated with many, as she highlighted the need for sports leagues to denounce violence against individuals for their political beliefs.
The New York Yankees have been the sole sports organization to publicly honor Kirk thus far, observing a moment of silence before their Wednesday evening game. This gesture stands in stark contrast to the silence from other major sports leagues, which have yet to issue any official statements or tributes on their social media platforms.
The NFL, in particular, has an opportunity to acknowledge Kirk's passing during the upcoming Thursday Night Football game between the Packers and the Commanders, broadcast on Amazon Prime.
As the nation grapples with the implications of Kirk's murder, the call for sports leagues to take a stand underscores a broader conversation about the role of these organizations in addressing political violence. Steele's appeal highlights the expectation for consistency in how sports leagues respond to such tragedies, regardless of the political affiliations of those involved.
The response, or lack thereof, from these influential entities may influence public perception and dialogue surrounding political violence and its impact on American society.
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