Radio Host Critiques NFL’s Tribute to Charlie Kirk

Chicago radio host Michael Baisden made headlines over the weekend when he voiced his frustration regarding the NFL’s tribute to Charlie Kirk.

Kirk, a 31-year-old political commentator, was shot and killed during a university event in Utah on September 10. He left behind his wife, Erica, and two children.

Many NFL teams honored Kirk with moments of silence during Sunday’s games. However, Baisden seemed to feel this gesture fell short.

“I hate seeing it play in real time.”

Baisden has a substantial following, reportedly close to 4 million on Facebook and around 530,000 on Instagram. He took to both platforms to express his views, questioning the NFL’s actions and alleging they are disrespectful to black players.

In a post featuring images from AT&T Stadium’s tribute, he asked his followers for their thoughts on the matter and the implications it had on racial dynamics.

His Instagram post garnered various reactions. Some commenters evoked former NFL player Colin Kaepernick, known for kneeling during the national anthem in protest against racism. “I stopped watching football when kneeling was considered a violation,” wrote one follower.

However, many current players distanced themselves from taking a racial stance on Kirk’s murder and expressed sorrow instead. For instance, Jaguars defensive player Joshua Hines Allen remarked, “We may not agree with Charlie Kirk, but it’s never right to take a person’s life over differing opinions. This whole situation is tragic. We need to pray for his family.”

Dez Bryant, a former wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys, admitted he was not very familiar with Kirk but was quick to clarify that he did not support any ideas of racism. He stated, “No one deserves to die. The man is dead now.” He later added a message of compassion to Kirk’s family.

Former Ravens wide receiver Torrey Smith expressed similar sentiments, emphasizing the disheartening nature of celebrating someone’s death simply because they hold different beliefs.

Even polarizing figures like former quarterback Robert Griffin III voiced frustration over the online reactions. “Celebrating his death makes you a vile individual,” he stated, while calling for thoughts and prayers for the family of a woman who was recently murdered.

Aside from his radio show, Baisden is known for hosting podcasts and running his own website dedicated to dating and travel. He claims a history of activism, stating he was one of the early voices to raise awareness about Trayvon Martin’s murder.