⁠ ⁠GoFundMe for Phoenix Suns reporter Gerald Bourguet raises over $7K as PHNX Sports called out for firing the writer over Charlie Kirk remarks

The internet is slamming the Phoenix Suns for its decision to sack journalist Gerald Bourguet.

In the wake of Charlie Kirk's assassination, Gerald Bourguet took to X to pen scathing remarks against the former. He indirectly claimed that Kirk was a "bigot" who was spreading "genocidal propaganda."

'"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," he penned in one tweet. "Half of y'all didn't give a DAMN about doing anything to stop gun violence when the victims of mass shootings were LITERAL children. And those kids weren't bigots spreading genocidal propaganda, or a mindset he directly fed into with this Holy Grail of Ironies," someone else pointed out.

In another tweet, the journalist reiterated that he does not condone violence. However,

"it is possible to neither condone nor feel sympathy - nuance which will naturally be lost on someone who sees the world in black and white," he added.

Shortly after, the Phoenix Suns announced their decision to let Gerald Bourguet go in a statement on X:

"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."

Since then, X user @ayajess has announced that she launched a GoFundMe to help support the journalist and his family "after he was wrongfully let go from PHNX Sports and All City Network." The page states that Gerald Bourguet worked with the Suns community for over nine years. In his private life, he welcomed a son with his wife just a few months ago.

"Gerald recently found himself in this situation after putting out a statement in regard to the recent death of public-figure Charlie Kirk. I want to make it clear that not only Gerald, but me as well, have never, and will never, condone the use of gun violence in this country. Unlike others, Gerald decided to use his voice and his platform to courageously speak out on the injustices we see befall us every day in this country knowing not everyone shares the same opinions as he. Because of this, Gerald was terminated from his long-time job with PHNX Sports," the page notes.

The fundraising initiative has since raised over $7K for Gerald Bourguet and his family, out of a goal of $10K.

The internet reacts to Gerald Bourguet getting fired as a journalist for the Phoenix Suns: Read more

The internet has been packing on the backlash against the Phoenix Suns and ALLCITY Network for its decision to let Gerald Bourguet go. However, a few have also expressed favorable opinions towards the move, noting that such strong sentiments have no place in a workplace environment.

Here's how some users are reacting on X:

"Spineless, rotten, pathetic decision. I stand with you, @GeraldBourguet," one user remarked.

"i knew i liked @GeraldBourguet & it goes way beyond his basketball takes. real respectable to have a backbone in this society," someone else weighed in.

"Hey @PHNX_Sports @PHNX_Suns, please fire @GeraldBourguet. He is showing himself to be extremely insensitive after a seismic event in American politics, and he is showing his contempt for the half of the country that is of a more conservative mindset. His rhetoric is dangerous!" another exclaimed.

"hey so @PHNX_Sports @Saul_Bookman @Espo my subscription just renewed a few days ago, but based on today’s decision I can no longer support and would like a refund. @GeraldBourguet is the best we have, if he’s not welcome neither am I. how do we correct this?" a fourth user penned.

The comments didn't end there:

"man. Gerald is seemingly never on the wrong side of history. one of the very few, if not the only member, in Arizona sports media to express some very easily-researchable evidence and basic common sense in response to political events like these," one user penned.

"Calling for people to have a backbone while turning off the comments to his hateful, wicked post is peak hypocrisy," someone else chimed in.

"@PHNX_Sports I’ll never renew or follow your content again as long as you employ Gerald Bourguet," yet another asserted.

Stay tuned to SoapCentral for more.

×

Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback