My Thoughts On The Death Of Charlie Kirk
Opening Tone & Authenticity
- Stephen A. opens his show in a somber and reflective tone, unlike his usual fiery style.
- He says he feels sad and melancholy because of a tragic event.
- Example: Instead of his normal “bat out of hell” sports commentary, he pauses to acknowledge the heaviness of current events.
The Tragedy in Utah
- A shooting occurred in Utah, where Charlie Kirk, a conservative speaker, was shot and killed during an event.
- He was only 31 years old, with two young children and a wife present at the time.
- Example: Stephen A. emphasizes the trauma: “His two children under five saw their father get gunned down. His wife saw her husband die.”
Humanity Beyond Politics
- Stephen A. stresses that this is not about politics—it’s about basic human decency.
- Regardless of political beliefs, no one should celebrate another human being’s death.
- Example: He criticizes those online who celebrated Kirk’s death: “Shame. Shame on you.”
Sports as a Unifying Force
- Sports provide a reprieve from life’s tragedies and bring people together across race, politics, and beliefs.
- Stadiums and games are examples of unity, where diverse fans cheer for the same team.
- Example: “At Lambeau Field tonight, 60,000 people of all colors and backgrounds will cheer together.”
Reminder of Shared Humanity
- He emphasizes that tragedies like this show how fragile life is and how important brotherhood, sisterhood, and compassion are.
- Evil may be loud, but the majority of people are good.
- Example: “I’m a Black man in America. I know problems exist. But I also know there are far more good people than bad.”
Call to Action
- We must not normalize violence or move on too quickly without reflection.
- Instead, society should stand against evil and reaffirm human decency.
- Example: “We can’t just give lip service for 24 hours and move on. A man is dead. His kids are fatherless.”
Respect from Sports Community
- He praises the New York Yankees for holding a moment of silence for Kirk, showing respect beyond politics.
- Example: Even if fans disagreed politically, they still honored the fact that a human life was lost unjustly.
Final Message
- America must lean on its mosaic of diversity and remember that love and unity outweigh hate.
- Sports can help remind us of this shared humanity.
- Example: “Sports doesn’t just give us something to cheer about. It allows us to cheer together.”
Summary in One Line:
Stephen A. Smith uses the tragedy of Charlie Kirk’s assassination to remind listeners that while politics divide, sports—and humanity itself—should unite us in love, decency, and respect for life.
