The veteran ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith found himself in an acutely uncomfortable position during Tuesday's edition of First Take whilst reviewing the Houston Texans' commanding playoff triumph over Pittsburgh.
Attempting to praise the performance of wide receiver Christian Kirk, Smith instead uttered the name of the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
"We saw Charlie Kirk catch eight receptions for 144 yards," the 58-year-old declared before co-host Shae Peppler Cornette swiftly intervened.
Smith's mortification was palpable as he scrambled to rectify the blunder.
"I'm sorry, I apologise. Oh my God, I meant Christian Kirk," he responded, visibly shaken by the error.
The gaffe carried particular weight given the circumstances surrounding Charlie Kirk's death. The Turning Point USA founder, aged 31, was fatally shot whilst addressing students at Utah Valley University on 10th September 2025. A suspect, Tyler Robinson, 22, was subsequently apprehended following a manhunt.
Smith had previously spoken with considerable emotion about the assassination on his podcast.
"I don't care what his political beliefs were. I don't care what he felt," he said at the time.
"That he's dead at the age of 31. That his wife is a widow. That his children are fatherless because his ideas and his beliefs differed from somebody else, apparently.
Charlie Kirk passed away on September 10, 2025 | REUTERS"And then I'm going online, and I'm seeing people celebrating it. Shame! Shame on you!"
The clip rapidly spread across social media platforms, with viewers offering a mixture of amusement and pointed commentary.
"Oh yea this an all timer," wrote one user, whilst another declared the moment worthy of display "in the video section of the Louvre."
"He saw his career flash before his eyes," observed one commenter.
Others suggested the slip revealed the consequences of Smith's expanding interests beyond sport. "This what happen when you have too many interest. Intermingled," remarked one viewer, alluding to the analyst's increasingly prominent political commentary and previous hints at potential presidential aspirations.
One wag quipped that the error was "inexcusable" since "Charlie Kirk was obviously a quarterback, not a receiver."
The Texans' comprehensive 30-6 dismantling of the Steelers rather justified the praise Smith had intended to bestow upon the veteran wideout.
"We saw Charlie Kirk catch 8 receptions for 144 yards…I apologize. Oh my God. Christian Kirk" – Stephen A. Smith pic.twitter.com/PPQXMjXFEr
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) January 13, 2026
Christian Kirk delivered a stellar showing, hauling in eight catches for 144 yards and a touchdown, establishing a postseason record in the process.
His performance included a spectacular 46-yard reception from quarterback C.J. Stroud, providing crucial momentum during Houston's dominant display.
The victory propels the Texans into the AFC divisional round, where they shall face the New England Patriots on Sunday 18th January.
Christian Kirk has been in tremendous form
|REUTERS
As for Smith, it remains uncertain whether he intends to address the unfortunate mix-up further or simply press forward.