A football star’s charity was in the middle of a controversy this week, and it had nothing to do with what it usually does. Joe Burrow’s foundation, which typically praised helping communities, faced a tough time after one of its board members posted harsh comments about Charlie Kirk’s murder.
The Joe Burrow Foundation announced late Friday that it removed an advisory board member after he made a string of remarks online about the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The foundation didn’t name the person in its statement, but local outlet FOX19 NOW identified him as Hamilton County Municipal Judge Ted Berry.
Remarks On Kirk Spark Outrage
Berry responded to a Facebook post memorializing Kirk with a message that read, “Rest in Hatred & Division!” He didn’t stop there. In another exchange, he wrote, “How’s he feel about gun violence and gun control in Hell, now?” According to the Cincinnati Enquirer, he also commented, “So, a white guy killed him! Color it KARMA!”
A gunman shot and killed 31-year-old Kirk on Wednesday while he hosted a Q&A at Utah Valley University. Authorities arrested 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, who now faces aggravated murder and related charges. This murder created unrest across political circles in the country.
The Joe Burrow Foundation moved quickly. “We have terminated an advisory board member that made inappropriate remarks in light of recent events and they are no longer associated with the Foundation,” the group said. “Their comments do not reflect our values or our mission. We are committed to accountability and respect for all.”
Berry later told the Enquirer he doesn’t accept violence against anyone not just in Kirk case. “I regret if I caused division,” he said. “That was not my intent. And I hope there can be peace.”
Ohio State Representative Adam Mathews called for Berry to resign from the bench, saying a judge should remain impartial and not engage in what he described as “the behavior of a political activist.”
Joe Burrow created his foundation in 2022 to support children dealing with mental illness, fight food insecurity, and provide resources for underserved communities. Since its launch, the nonprofit has handed out more than $2 million in “Do Good Grants” across Ohio, Louisiana, Kentucky, and Indiana.
This week, though, the focus shifted away from the purpose to one man’s words.
