The Spark: An Ominous Instagram Story
The controversy began when Audi Crooks, the standout center for the Iowa State Cyclones and one of the most dominant forces in women’s college basketball, posted a cryptic but pointed message to her Instagram story. Amidst swirling (and largely unverified) internet rumors regarding the status of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, Crooks wrote:
“If you want people to speak kindly about you after you’re gone, then you should speak kindly while you’re alive.”
The post immediately went viral, interpreted by many as a direct commentary on Kirk’s career, which has often been defined by polarizing rhetoric on race, gender, and identity.
The Backlash and the “Double Down”
As a public figure with a massive following, Crooks quickly found herself in the crosshairs of conservative media and Kirk’s supporters. Critics accused her of being “distasteful,” “disrespectful,” and “politicizing” her platform. Some even called for disciplinary action from her university.
However, rather than issuing a standard PR apology or deleting the post, Crooks took the rare path of doubling down. She posted a follow-up response that was even more resolute:
“And I stand by this. Be kind — now more than ever.”
By doing so, Crooks shifted the narrative from a specific jab at a political figure to a broader philosophical stance on personal accountability and the legacy of one’s words.
Deep Dive: Why This Story Matters
The Power of the Student-Athlete Voice
Audi Crooks is not just any player; she is a centerpiece of the new era of the NCAA. In the age of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness), athletes are no longer just representatives of their schools; they are independent brands with significant social influence. Crooks’ refusal to back down signals a shift in athlete activism—one where young stars feel empowered to speak on social ethics regardless of the potential for backlash.
The Debate on “Legacy”
The core of Crooks’ argument touches on a timeless debate: Does death (or the rumor of it) grant someone immunity from criticism? * The Critics’ View: Argue that “speaking ill of the dead” is a breach of basic human decency.
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The Crooks’ View: Suggests that “kindness” is a currency earned through a lifetime of actions. If one spends their life using their platform to divide or demean, they cannot expect an outpouring of universal praise once they are gone.
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Navigating a Polarized Media Landscape
Charlie Kirk is a figure who has frequently targeted “woke” culture in sports and academia. By engaging in this discourse, Crooks has stepped into a larger cultural battlefield. Her response—urging people to “be kind”—serves as a clever rhetorical pivot. It frames her stance not as an attack, but as a moral standard that she believes should apply to everyone, regardless of political affiliation.
The Impact on Iowa State and the NCAA
While some feared this would be a distraction for the Iowa State program, it has instead highlighted Crooks’ role as a leader who is comfortable in her own skin. On the court, she remains a powerhouse; off the court, she has become a symbol of a generation that values authenticity over optics.
For the Cyclones, this situation tests the university’s support for student-athlete expression. So far, the focus remains on the game, but the conversation surrounding Crooks has expanded her profile far beyond the basketball court, making her a household name in both sports and social commentary.
Conclusion: A Lesson in Accountability
The saga of Audi Crooks and her remarks serves as a stark reminder of the permanence of the digital age. In a world where every tweet and video is archived, Crooks’ message is simple: Your words while you are alive are the only things that will dictate how the world remembers you.
By standing her ground, Audi Crooks has shown that she is just as formidable in her convictions as she is in the paint. Whether you agree with her timing or not, her message—”Be kind — now more than ever”—is a challenge to a world that often prioritizes conflict over compassion.
