Gerald Bourguet, a Suns beat reporter for PHNX Sports, was fired after posting hateful remarks on X about the fatal shooting of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University.
In a thread, Bourguet argued: “’Political differences’ are not the same thing as spewing hateful rhetoric on a daily basis, and refusing to mourn a life devoted to that cause is not the same thing as celebrating gun violence.”
He added: “If you’re saddened by today’s ‘political violence’ … ask yourself why your reaction was different when it came to school shootings, mass deportations or the HUNDREDS of videos of horrific murders in Gaza (which Kirk cheered on).”
He defended his stance bluntly: “Truly don’t care if you think it’s insensitive or poor timing … Too many of you are more concerned with being polite and appearing to be good people rather than showing some damn backbone and standing on principal to condemn hate.”
PHNX Sports confirmed his dismissal, stating: “The opinions expressed by our employees do not represent the views of PHNX or ALLCITY Network … We have addressed this matter with the individual and made the decision to part ways.”
Bourguet is the second sports figure to be fired over posts about Kirk. The Carolina Panthers also dismissed communications coordinator Charlie Rock for an “insensitive” comment.
Meanwhile, the Yankees held a moment of silence for Kirk, and Giants rookie QB Jaxson Dart called the killing “disgusting and sad.”
Suns beat writer gets fired after series of controversial Charlie Kirk posts https://t.co/qfRgLRpsv8 pic.twitter.com/UNdxwNUcwD
— New York Post (@nypost) September 11, 2025
