The Carolina Panthers have let go of a spokesperson due to comments made about Charlie Kirk.
Kirk was tragically killed on Wednesday during a campus tour in Utah. Video footage captures the moment he was shot in the neck, witnessed by a group of college students and other attendees.
While many have expressed their support following this shocking act of violence, others, including some Panthers employees, have taken to social media to criticize or mock Kirk.
“We do not tolerate any kind of violence,” the team stated.
According to reports, a communications coordinator named Charlie Locke was terminated from his position for an online post regarding the late conservative activist.
Locke began as an intern with the team in 2024 and was later promoted.
Social media posts reveal a screenshot from Locke’s now-inactive Instagram, where he shared a video of Kirk and captioned it with, “Why are y’all sad? Your man said it was worth it…” referencing Kirk’s death.
His subsequent post featured the song “Protect Ya Neck” by Wu-Tang Clan, which could imply a connection to Kirk being shot in the neck.
Athletic confirmed the employee’s departure, while Locke has not responded to requests for comment.
The Panthers released a statement on Thursday morning, without directly naming Locke.
“The views expressed by employees are unique and do not represent the views of the Carolina Panthers,” the statement read. “We take this issue very seriously and address it accordingly.”
Mike Florio from Pro Football Talk addressed the situation, mentioning that societal disagreements, even if intense, should never lead to violence.
The Panthers’ next game is set against the Arizona Cardinals, scheduled for Sunday at 4:05 PM ET in Glendale, Arizona.
