A controversy has erupted in the NFL after reports confirmed that five teams — the Cincinnati Bengals, Detroit Lions, Indianapolis Colts, Baltimore Ravens, and Minnesota Vikings — declined to observe a moment of silence for Charlie Kirk during the weekend’s fixtures.
The decision has drawn attention because all five franchises had previously taken part in tributes to George Floyd in the aftermath of his death in 2020, an act that was widely praised at the time for acknowledging social justice issues within the league.
This latest development has left fans divided across social media. Supporters of Kirk expressed disappointment and accused the teams of inconsistency, while others defended the franchises, insisting that the league should remain cautious about politicizing its platform.
While the NFL has not issued an official statement, league insiders suggest that teams were given autonomy in deciding whether or not to hold a tribute. Each of the five organizations ultimately opted against the moment of silence, citing “internal discretion.”
The decision adds fuel to an already growing debate over how the NFL handles political and social issues, with critics pointing to selective recognition as a source of division among players, fans, and the wider public.
Leave a Reply