“In one hypocritical fell swoop, the ‘woke’ NBA became a ‘joke’”. These were some of the statements that have come to light after the sudden death of Charlie Kirk. He was in Utah, taking questions from a crowd, when the shooting took place. Days after the incident, not only his basketball opinion but also his other statements are being scrutinized. But during this time, most focused on praying for the family.

One such person was NBA star Kris Humphries, who took to his Instagram to share his thoughts. The former Celtics star wrote, “Rest in Peace Charlie.” This was the caption on his story with the photograph of Kirk and his wife with their two children. It contained an additional message, “Love is the answer,” followed by the sticker of the American flag. Praying for the family and showing empathy is what another star in the league tried, but he only received backlash and had to issue another statement.

Mitchell Robinson initially shared a photo of Kirk with his wife and two children on Instagram, writing: “I feel bad for his family.” But the Knicks center received a lot of hate from fans, which is why he addressed his opinion in another statement. “I’m never the type to get into the political field but I just don’t get how people get so sensitive and offended about someone else’s opinion or beliefs,” Robinson wrote. His long message was not about any political stance, but he was thinking about the family that had to suffer the loss.

“I respect your mindset and beliefs, but it’s not gonna change what I believe and stand for. … As a father myself, no kid should have to grow up without their father or mother at the end of the day.” NBA and politics go hand in hand. Be it Michael Jordan or even LeBron James, they get dragged for their opinions. Criticism comes to both as the Bulls legend refrains from revealing his political desire and the Lakers superstar always adds his two cents, being the influential figure he is.

Kirk often had his take on the GOAT debate and criticized LeBron and the NBA for their “woke stance”. One can argue that the outspoken conservative commentator and founder of Turning Point USA had various agendas that they didn’t agree to. But what Humphries and Robinson tried to do was to have empathy for the family.

There were a few who expressed a different opinion

Former 9-year veteran Etan Thomas had a dedicated post on his Instagram about his beliefs regarding Charlie Kirk’s death. The former Wizards star condemned the act of shooting, but was not ready to forget the past actions of Kirk. “I am not going to celebrate Charlie Kirk’s death; that doesn’t even feel right to do. But I’m certainly not going to pretend that he was some hero who deserves a statute and the Congressional Medal of honor.” Another person who echoed this sentiment had to lose his job.

PHNX Sports has fired Phoenix Suns reporter Gerald Bourguet over comments he made about the conservative activist. Bourguet may not be an NBA player, but his voice and opinion matter. In fact, in one of the posts, he criticized those who were mourning Kirk’s passing and drew comparisons to other tragic events, which added to the controversy. The reaction to Bourguet’s firing has been mixed. Some questioned the right of freedom of speech, while other were reminding everyone about the policies and beliefs that Kirk stood for.

Kirk rose as a high-profile conservative activist and Donald Trump’s “ally,” despite his style making him a polarizing figure. He thrived on provocation—famously saying it was “worth it to have…some gun deaths every single year so that we can have the Second Amendment.” His debates on gender, race, and politics drew “fierce liberal criticism,” with many accusing him of spreading misinformation and division. Turning Point USA, which he co-founded to “promote…fiscal responsibility, free markets, and limited government,” was seen by detractors as a partisan machine that indoctrinated rather than educated. To admirers he was “legendary” for energizing youth, but to critics, his unapologetic rhetoric and alliance with Trump made him a symbol of grievance-driven politics—explaining why he was so deeply disliked.

That’s why it has become a topic that has garnered a lot of debate within the NBA. As athletes, their voice becomes paramount in talking about certain issues. But that invites criticism and difference of opinion, as in this case.