Jazz Chisholm Responds to Jason Kelce’s Candid Statement Exposing Erika Kirk's Speech at Ole Miss as a Calculated Fundraising Stunt
Jazz Chisholm, the star second baseman for the Miami Marlins, has responded to Jason Kelce's recent candid statement, which criticized Erika Kirk's speech at Ole Miss as a well-calculated fundraising stunt. Chisholm, who has been vocal about the impact of athletes’ activism and fundraising efforts, didn’t hold back in his defense of Kirk, challenging the narrative presented by Kelce.
In an interview, Chisholm addressed Kelce’s comments, which had caused a stir in the sports community. “I think Jason missed the point,” Chisholm said. “Erika’s intentions were about more than just raising money — she’s trying to make a real impact. The way people are framing this as a ‘calculated stunt’ doesn’t do justice to the work she’s doing. We should be focusing on the cause, not attacking people who are trying to make a difference.”
Kelce, in his statement, had described Kirk’s speech at Ole Miss as a “calculated move,” suggesting that her public appearance and the subsequent fundraising efforts were part of a larger scheme to boost visibility and financial support for her own initiatives. According to Kelce, the timing of the speech and its highly publicized nature made it clear that Kirk was using the moment to further her own goals, rather than genuinely advancing the causes she spoke about.
Chisholm, however, emphasized the importance of supporting athletes and activists who use their platforms to address important issues, even if their actions also involve raising money. “People like Erika Kirk have the platform, and they’re trying to do good with it,” he argued. “Whether it’s through a speech or a fundraising effort, if it leads to real change, then it’s worth it. We should be looking at the bigger picture here.”
Chisholm also pushed back against the idea that athletes and activists should be judged solely on their public appearances or fundraising activities. “We can’t keep judging people for using their voice,” he said. “Everyone who’s trying to raise awareness for a cause or fight for something important is doing the work. Let’s support those efforts, not tear them down.”
As the debate surrounding Kirk’s speech continues, Chisholm’s comments highlight a broader issue within the sports and activism communities: the fine line between visibility, fundraising, and genuine social impact. While Kelce’s perspective is rooted in skepticism, Chisholm and others believe it’s important to view these efforts as part of a larger movement for change, not as calculated moves for personal gain.
“I’ll stand by people like Erika, who are trying to make a real difference,” Chisholm concluded. “And I think we all should.”
Red Sox Just Days From Alex Bregman, Trevor Story Decisions
The World Series ended on Saturday night and now the offseason is officially here for Major League Baseball.
We won't see anything crazy happen right away like a blockbuster trade or likely a nine-figure signing in free agency, but there will be some news involving the Boston Red Sox fairly quickly. With the World Series now over, the option deadline is imminent. It passes five days after the World Series ends.
For Boston, this is significant because guys like Alex Bregman, Trevor Story, and Lucas Giolito have options to watch out for. Liam Hendriks also has a mutual option, and Jarren Duran has a club option, but he isn't going anywhere -- barring a trade, of course -- because he is arbitration-eligible.
It's going to be a busy few days for the Red Sox
Hendriks has a $12 million mutual option that is sure to be declined after making just 14 appearances in 2025. The three really worth watching are Bregman, Story, and Giolito. For Bregman, reports have been out there for weeks that he plans to opt out of his three-year, $120 million deal and enter free agency. He hasn't officially opted out yet, though. That will come over the next few days. Then, he will be a free agent and have a chance to go anywhere.
Gioltio has a $19 million mutual option because he was able to pitch more than 140 innings in 2025. His future is at least somewhat up in the air because he dealt with an elbow issue that forced him to miss the playoffs. If the Red Sox are going to give anyone the qualifying offer worth just over $22 million for the 2026 season, Giolito would make sense.
Story is the most interesting decision to actually watch out for because it isn't as guaranteed. He is coming off the best season of his career since 2021. But, he had three injury-filled seasons in Boston as well. Does he enter the open market looking for a new deal with the hope that the 2025 season will help him cash in? Or take the guaranteed $50 million over the next two years plus a club option in 2028? We will find out very soon.
With the World Series behind us now, the clock is ticking for Boston.
