Controversy Erupts: Connor McCaffery Steps Down from Butler Amid Charlie Kirk Remarks..
A stunning turn of events that has rocked the world of college basketball, Connor McCaffery, the boyfriend of WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark, announced his resignation as assistant coach for Butler University’s men’s basketball team today. The decision comes just after his high-profile hiring, triggered by a firestorm of backlash over inflammatory comments McCaffery made regarding the recent assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
McCaffery, 27, joined Butler in September 2024 as a promising young coach, fresh off a stint as a development coordinator with the Indiana Pacers. His arrival in Indianapolis was seen as a homecoming of sorts—not only because it kept him close to Clark, the Indiana Fever’s rookie sensation and his partner since 2023, but also due to family ties. McCaffery’s younger brother, Patrick, transferred to Butler from Iowa to play under head coach Thad Matta, while another brother, Jack, was slated to join the program the following year. The hire, replacing NBA legend Greg Oden, was hailed as a blend of basketball pedigree—son of Iowa Hawkeyes coach Fran McCaffery—and fresh energy for a Bulldogs squad aiming to rebound from back-to-back sub-.500 seasons.
But McCaffery’s tenure, marked by contributions to a postseason berth last spring, unraveled in the wake of Charlie Kirk’s shocking death on Sept. 10. The 31-year-old founder of Turning Point USA was gunned down mid-speech at Utah Valley University by 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, a self-avowed leftist radical who confessed online via Discord before his arrest. Kirk’s killing ignited national debates on political violence, gun rights, and the toxic polarization gripping America. President Trump posthumously awarded Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom, while far-right figures like Laura Loomer called for vengeance against perceived “celebrators” of the slaying.
Enter McCaffery. On Sept. 14, in a now-deleted X post that went viral before being scrubbed, the coach posted: “Kirk spent years spewing hate at campuses—today’s tragedy is karma in a divided world. No tears here.” The remark, viewed over 500,000 times, drew swift condemnation from conservative circles. Turning Point USA labeled it “disgraceful glorification of murder,” and Butler alumni, including prominent donors, flooded the athletic department with complaints. Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb, a Republican, publicly urged the university to act, tweeting: “Basketball unites us—hate divides. Butler must stand for civility.”
Butler University, a Jesuit institution emphasizing ethical leadership, faced mounting pressure. Athletic Director Scott Carr issued a statement late yesterday: “While we respect free speech, comments endorsing violence contradict our values. After discussions with Connor, we’ve accepted his resignation to preserve program integrity.” Matta, who praised McCaffery’s “basketball IQ” upon hiring, expressed regret but affirmed the move was necessary amid the “national conversation on unity.”
McCaffery’s exit leaves a void on a staff already navigating family dynamics and Big East expectations. Patrick McCaffery, now a senior guard, posted a heartfelt note: “Proud of my brother—family first, always.” Clark, who has kept a low profile amid the Fever’s playoff push, was spotted courtside at Butler’s practice facility last week, offering silent support. Sources close to the couple say the scandal has strained their relationship, with Clark’s agent declining comment.
The backlash highlights deeper tensions in sports and politics. McCaffery’s post echoed sentiments from progressive voices like streamer Hasan Piker, who called Kirk’s death “terrifying” yet critiqued his rhetoric. But in Hoosier heartland, where Butler’s Hinkle Fieldhouse symbolizes Midwestern wholesomeness, tolerance has limits. As one fan lamented outside the arena today: “Connor’s talented, but this crossed a line. We coach kids, not grudges.”
McCaffery plans to return to the Pacers in a reduced role, per insiders, vowing to “reflect and rebuild.” For Butler, the search for a replacement begins anew, a poignant reminder that in 2025 America, even a jump shot can’t outrun the culture wars.
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