The last 10 days have sent the American political world into a frenzy. On September 10, Charlie Kirk was as—-nated at Utah Valley University. The NFL paid homage to the political activist at the Packers‘ week 2 game, allowing the teams to pay homage to him. However, the 49ers tight end George Kittle also got embroiled in controversy when his comment about Kirk’s demise got out.

According to viral media reports, the NFL player requested fans to shut out the noise. “I love football because it unites people,” the fake report in the name of Kittle stated. “But lately, I’ve seen politics being dragged into it far too often. Charlie Kirk may matter to some, but he has no place in the NFL. Football is for the fans, the competition, and the love of the game, not for politics.” While the conservatives have liked it when the teams have paid their tribute to Kirk, many have taken offense to the teams overlooking his k—ing. But no one expected such a statement (even in rumors) from the 49ers star.

So, when people started messaging him about his statement, he had to take notice. Kittle posted an IG story, clarifying that it was a fake statement that also cleared his stance on the situation. “Couple of things.. this is a fake quote,” he said. “I hope most of you realize that. Also, that above account only posts fake news/reports, please ignore them. The wild messages I’m receiving from people made me have to address it. Have a good night.”

With this, the tight end has set the record straight. And this was not the only rumor that spread. Some reports went viral claiming Patrick Mahomes promised to cover educational expenses, but he never confirmed it. Instead of giving it any air, he remained quiet. That was enough to render it baseless.

George Kittle’s team is still confused amid mixed reactions to the NFL’s Charlie Kirk tribute

September 21, Sunday at Levi’s Stadium might be about more than football. It might be about America. The San Francisco 49ers, a team whose end zones literally read Choose Love, are staring down a decision that could split their locker room and their fan base, whether to honor conservative firebrand Charlie Kirk with a moment of silence. After Kirk’s as—ination on September 10, the NFL mandated a tribute during last Thursday’s Commanders-Packers game. Then the league handed the decision to teams. The result? Chaos.

The Titans, Chiefs, Cowboys, Cardinals, Dolphins, Saints, and Jets honored Kirk. The Vikings, Steelers, Colts, Bengals, Lions, and Ravens didn’t. Some teams, like the Texans, opted for a neutral moment of silence for all victims of violence. Fans noticed.

Jets fans called their tribute “beautiful” as “Amazing Grace” played over a slideshow of Kirk’s photos. Chiefs fans said it was “the right thing to do for a patriot.” On the other side, Ravens fans raged that their team “turned its back on America.” Vikings fans threatened to switch allegiances, saying the decision “just goes with the trans cheerleaders.” Colts and Lions supporters called for boycotts until their teams “apologize for ignoring the trauma Christians felt.“

So what happens if the Niners join the tribute? Will the crowd stand still, or will there be visible protests in the stadium? George Kittle and his teammates have been quiet, but the silence around this silence is deafening. In a league that once punished Colin Kaepernick for kneeling to protest racial injustice, honoring Kirk feels less like healing and more like taking a side.

The question is no longer whether the Niners will honor him. It’s what that honor will say about the team and the league.