Overview
- On ESPN’s First Take, Smith said “We saw Charlie Kirk…” before host Shae Peppler Cornette corrected him and he apologized immediately on air.
- Christian Kirk recorded eight receptions for 144 yards and a touchdown in Houston’s 30–6 Wild Card win over the Steelers.
- The moment quickly spread across social platforms, generating memes and a wave of viewer reactions.
- Several outlets noted that ESPN’s posted clip of the segment appeared to omit the misstatement while viewer-recorded versions circulated online.
- There have been no reports of disciplinary action or further official statements beyond Smith’s on-air apology.