Stephen A. Smith Fails on Live TV After Miscalling Texans Star Charlie Kirk
Stephen A. Smith made a rather awkward on-air mistake while discussing the Houston Texans’ 30-6 playoff victory Monday over the Pittsburgh Steelers.
While recapping the matchup on ESPN’s “First Take” on Tuesday, the sportscaster misidentified Texans star wide receiver Christian Kirk as the late right-wing political commentator Charlie Kirk.
“We saw Charlie Kirk catch eight catches for 144 yards,” Smith said before co-host Shae Peppler Cornette jumped in to remind him, “Christian Kirk.”
Smith quickly corrected himself. “I’m sorry, I apologize. Oh my God, Christian Kirk.”
The verbal slip, which was shared on X from sports media account Awful Anusing, has already racked up more than 11 million views.
Christian Kirk and his team will play the New England Patriots on Sunday in an NFL divisional round playoff game. It appears he has not commented publicly on the slip.
Fake Images/YouTube.
Charlie Kirk, co-founder of the right-wing nonprofit Turning Point USA, built a large following on social media by holding debates on controversial cultural topics, often making 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 about the fact that a man was shot to death in front of two of his children, who are 5 years old or younger,” he said during the 9/11 episode.
He also praised the New York Yankees for honoring Kirk with a moment of silence before their game against the Detroit Tigers.
“Applause to the New York Yankees organization last night for taking a moment of silence,” Smith said. “We’re not supposed to tolerate things like this. We’re not supposed to say it’s okay. I don’t give a damn who you are, black, white or anything in between.”