PHNX Sports has parted ways with Phoenix Suns beat reporter Gerald Bourguet following a series of social media posts he made in response to the fatal shooting of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk.
Kirk, 31, was shot and killed during a speaking event at Utah Valley University. The incident sparked widespread reactions, including tributes from sports teams and public figures. But Bourguet’s response stood out for its unapologetic tone and pointed critique of Kirk’s legacy.
“Political differences are not the same thing as spewing hateful rhetoric on a daily basis,” Bourguet wrote on X. “Refusing to mourn a life devoted to that cause is not the same thing as celebrating gun violence. Just so we’re 100% clear on that”.
“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. Just so we’re 100% clear on that.
— Gerald Bourguet (@GeraldBourguet) September 11, 2025
He continued in a follow-up post:
“Truly don’t care if you think it’s insensitive or poor timing to decline to respect an evil man who died. 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 principle to condemn hate”.
Truly don’t care if you think it’s insensitive or poor timing to decline to respect an evil man who died. 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
— Gerald Bourguet (@GeraldBourguet) September 11, 2025
PHNX Sports, part of the ALLCITY Network, released a statement distancing itself from Bourguet’s remarks:
“The opinions expressed by our employees do not represent the views of PHNX or ALLCITY Network. We take matters involving violence very seriously and are committed to ensuring that ALLCITY remains a safe place for our employees and community alike. We have addressed this matter with the individual and made the decision to part ways”.
The opinions expressed by our employees do not represent the views of PHNX or ALLCITY Network. We take matters involving violence very seriously and are committed to ensuring that ALLCITY remains a safe place for our employees and community alike. We have addressed this matter…
— PHNX Sports (@PHNX_Sports) September 11, 2025
Though the statement did not name Bourguet directly, multiple outlets confirmed he was the employee in question.
Bourguet was a respected figure in Suns coverage, known for his in-depth analysis and hosting duties on the PHNX Suns podcast. His firing has sparked plenty of reactions, with many defending Bourguet’s right to speak out against harmful ideologies.
The incident also raises broader questions about journalistic freedom, employer boundaries, and the role of personal expression in the age of social media.
Bourguet isn’t the only figure to face consequences over posts about Kirk. The Carolina Panthers also dismissed a communications coordinator for what they called an “insensitive social media post” following the shooting.
As of now, Bourguet has not publicly commented on his dismissal. His departure leaves a void in Suns coverage and adds another layer to the ongoing conversation about how sports media navigates political discourse, personal ethics, and public accountability.
