Ravens' Lamar Jackson sparks liberal meltdown after resharing post from controversial Charlie Kirk
'It's all about Jesus,' read the X post from Charlie Kirk, the Turning Point USA co-founder
In itself, the post isn't altogether different from what Jackson typically puts on social media. A devout Christian, Jackson's X page is dominated by bible verses, baptisms and some occasional football content.
But Kirk has faced accusations of racism for his attacks on diversity initiatives and the idea of white privilege, making Jackson's re-post a bit more divisive than his others.
'Kirk is outright racist and would easily throw Lamar to the cotton fields,' wrote one critic about the white podcaster and black NFL star. 'It's so tone deaf.'
'Lamar Jackson out here retweeting Charlie Kirk,' another wrote. 'Hope he continues to choke in the playoffs.'
Charlie Kirk (center) has described civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr. as 'awful'
One respondent put it more succinctly: 'Lamar retweeting a very known racist…'
Several critics acknowledged that Jackson may not know much about Kirk, a frequent target of liberal anger who was recently lampooned on South Park.
Regardless, at least one criticized the Ravens star anyway.
'[Guys I'm] very aware that lamar jackson probably has zero idea who charlie kirk is and is solely [retweeting because it] talks about his faith,' one person wrote on X, adding: 'it still wild to see your favorite players name right above the second spawn of satan himself.'
The much larger online reaction belonged to conservatives, many of whom responded to a post from @_MLFootball by accusing Democrats of religious intolerance.
Many suggested that Jackson was focused on the pro-Christ message and not its author
Jackson's decision to repost a message from Charlie Kirk rankled some football fans
'Is this the point we've come to?' former ESPN host and current Donald Trump supporter Sage Steele wrote on X. 'Criticizing someone bc of their religious beliefs? Just stop. Stay strong @Lj_era8 and keep being an example for so many in Baltimore & beyond! @Ravens #lamarjackson.'
But posts of anyone criticizing Jackson's specific religious beliefs have been difficult to track down. Instead, much of the anger has centered on Kirk, who has described civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr. as 'awful' and once questioned the capabilities of black pilots.
What's more, Kirk has been outspoken against the 1964 Civil Rights Act that outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
'It's not because Jesus bro,' one person wrote on X. 'It's because it's Kirk and he's a known racist. Stop trying to conflate it.'
Jackson has sat for the Ravens' first two preseason games and may not play in the third. He has not appeared in a preseason game since 2021.
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