A writer covering the Philadelphia 76ers for PhillyVoice.com has been fired after criticizing the team’s post on X, showing support for Israel as the country faces the worst series of terrorist attacks in their history.
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Columnist Jackson Frank was only on the job for one month into his job and had covered literally just one 76ers preseason game when his employers had to cut him due to his criticism of the team. The issue at hand was considered a sensitive topic, to begin with, and the writer’s actions were deemed inappropriate and highly unprofessional.
In a post on social media post by the 76ers media department, the franchise showed its support for the nation of Israel, following this weekend’s Hamas attacks. At least 260 people have been confirmed dead thus far, with 11 believed to be American citizens, according to Reuters. Israel has responded by formally declaring war, something they had not done since the Yom Kippur War of 1973. And in light of the events, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly vowed to destroy Hamas entirely.
In their original message, the team stated “We stand with the people of Israel and join them in mourning the hundreds of innocent lives lost to terrorism at the hands of Hamas. #StandWithIsrael.”
In a post that has since been deleted but acquired by the New York Post, Jackson Frank made his political opposition to Israel and the 76ers stance quite clear.
“This post sucks! Solidarity with Palestine always,” Frank replied. This prompted his immediate ouster from his position, with his employer issuing a brief statement on the matter.
“Mr. Frank is no longer employed by PhillyVoice.com as of today,” PhillyVoice.com CEO Hal Donnelly said in a statement to the New York Post.
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