Stephen A. Smith made a pretty awkward gaffe while discussing the Houston Texans’ 30-6 playoff victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers.
As we recap the matchup on ESPN’s “First recording” On Tuesday, sports commentator misidentified Texans star receiver Christian Kirk as the late right-wing political commentator Charlie Kirk.
“We saw Charlie Kirk receive eight receptions for 144 yards,” Smith said before co-host Shae Peppler Cornette stepped in to remind him: “Christian Kirk.”
Smith quickly corrected himself. “I’m sorry, I apologize. Oh, my God, Christian Kirk.”
The verbal slip, that was shared on X from the sports media account Awful Annuncing, has already been viewed more than 11 million times.
Christian Kirk and his team will play the New England Patriots in an NFL divisional playoff game on Sunday. It appears he has not publicly commented on the error.
Charlie Kirk, co-founder of the right-wing nonprofit Turning Point USA, built a huge social media following by hosting debates on controversial cultural issues, often inflammatory, racist or sexist comments. He was shot and killed while speaking to students at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025.
After the murder, Smith condemned anyone who celebrated Kirk’s death on his SiriusXM radio show.
“I don’t care what his political beliefs were. I don’t care what he felt. I care that a man was shot in front of two of his children, who were five years old or younger,” he said during the speech. September 11 episode.
He also praised the New York Yankees for honoring Kirk with a moment of silence before a game against the Detroit Tigers.
“Kudos to the New York Yankees organization last night for holding a moment of silence,” Smith said. “We’re not supposed to condone this stuff. We’re not supposed to say it’s okay. I don’t care who you are, black, white or anything in between.”
