NFL Stars Shannon Sharpe, Chad Johnson Face Backlash Over Antisemitic Podcast Remarks

NEW YORK CITY (VINnews)— Former NFL stars Shannon Sharpe and Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson drew widespread condemnation Wednesday after making comments on their podcast that critics described as invoking antisemitic tropes, including claims that Jewish people “own everything.”

The remarks, aired during a recent episode of “Nightcap,” the duo’s popular sports and culture podcast, came amid a discussion about internet streamer Adin Ross, who admitted to using the N-word privately while listening to rap music, a Pro Football Hall of Famer and ESPN personality, expressed disapproval of Ross’s language but pivoted to question why derogatory terms targeting Jewish people or Israel are rarely used in music or media.

“Nobody’s allowed to say anything” about Israel, Sharpe said, referencing the country’s flag in a clip that quickly spread online. Johnson, the former Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver known for his flamboyant persona, interjected: “They own everything, you hear me? If you were to peel back the layers…”

The exchange, which lasted less than a minute, exploded across social media platforms, with users and advocacy groups labeling it hypocritical and harmful. “What the hell is this? Extremely disappointing from Shannon and Chad,” wrote one X user in a post that garnered thousands of views. Another called it a “weird, hypocritical rant” that played into longstanding stereotypes.

Jewish advocacy organizations swiftly condemned the comments. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) issued a statement describing the language as “rooted in classic antisemitic tropes that falsely portray Jews as controlling global institutions.” “Such rhetoric, even if unintended, perpetuates dangerous narratives that have fueled hatred for centuries,” the ADL added.

The podcast hosts, both Black former athletes who have frequently discussed issues of racial sensitivity, were accused of double standards. Sharpe, 53, has built a media career partly on calling out offensive language, including in a viral 2023 confrontation with a female singer over her attire. Critics noted the irony of the pair policing Ross’s use of a racial slur while invoking conspiracy-laden claims about Jewish influence.

“They’re trying to play the moral police on one issue, but it spirals into this ugly territory,” said Rabbi David Baron, an antisemitism expert at the American Jewish Committee. “It’s a reminder that stereotypes about Jewish ‘control’ are not just outdated—they’re weaponized.”

As of Wednesday evening, neither Sharpe nor Johnson had issued a public response. Representatives for “Nightcap,” produced by The Volume and Shay Shay Media, did not immediately return requests for comment. The episode remains available on YouTube and podcast platforms, where it has amassed over 100,000 views since airing Monday night.

Sharpe and Johnson, who first teamed up for the podcast in 2023, have cultivated a massive following—debuting at No. 46 on the U.S. podcast charts—with their blend of sports analysis, personal anecdotes and unfiltered banter. Past episodes have touched on NFL controversies and cultural debates, but this incident marks a rare foray into international and ethnic tensions.

The backlash echoed broader concerns about rising antisemitism in media and online spaces. According to the ADL, incidents of antisemitic harassment surged 140% in the U.S. following the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel, with public figures often amplifying tropes through casual commentary.

Social media reactions were swift and divided. While some defended the duo as “speaking truth to power,” the majority expressed outrage, with hashtags like #NightcapAntisemitism trending briefly on X. “This isn’t about free speech—it’s about responsibility,” one commenter wrote. “As influencers with millions of followers, they know better.”