Tremendous Bowl champion Shannon Sharpe is defending Tracy Morgan in opposition to on-line critics who chastised the comic for rebuking a homeless man who requested him for monetary assist.

In line with Sharpe, who addressed the viral incident along with his “Nightcap” co-host, Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson, Tracy Morgan had each proper to dismiss the person who requested for assist due to their alleged rocky previous.

A clip of Morgan interacting with followers on January 21, 2026, has gone viral. Within the video, Morgan indicators autographs earlier than being approached by a person named William.

“I keep in mind you,” Morgan informed the person earlier than angrily shutting down any request the person tried to make. “Do not discuss to me like I owe you one thing.”

Morgan’s visceral response was sparked by their alleged troubled historical past. “You used to speak all that sh-t to me once we have been youthful,” Morgan mentioned. “You suppose I forgot?”

Morgan’s interplay with the person has sparked combined reactions.

Within the feedback on varied Instagram posts that reshared the video, some social media customers criticized Morgan’s dealing with of the state of affairs.

One person theorized that Morgan was being examined by the universe to see how he’d reply to somebody in want. One other person argued that Morgan would’ve made an excellent greater affect by nonetheless serving to the person financially.

“Dang… I do not care what I keep in mind,” another person wrote. “For those who hungry, and I bought it to assist, [I will].”

“Except that man messed along with his household or him inappropriately…Tracy ought to REMEMBER he virtually died..and God forgave him and gave him a second likelihood..with added wealth,” one other person shared. “It could have proven a lot because of God if he may have gave that man a scorching meal and even paid for him a room for per week so he may bathe and get out the weather.”

Different customers, nonetheless, maintain a very totally different view, stating that Morgan was in the suitable to disclaim his alleged former bully cash.

“If he didn’t neglect since they was children which means what he did was actually unhealthy,” somebody commented, whereas one other mentioned, “You’ll be able to’t really feel entitled to another person’s success!!!”

“That was private!!! It’s positively a again story,” one other posted.

Former Denver Broncos participant Shannon Sharpe additionally weighed in on the controversy on an episode of his “Nightcap” podcast, making it clear that he was on Morgan’s aspect.

“Watch out of the toes you step on at this time,” he mentioned. “They is perhaps linked to the foot, that results in the leg, that is as much as the behind that you simply gotta kiss tomorrow.”

Sharpe clapped again at Morgan’s critics, insisting they cannot management the comic’s response or emotions relating to the person’s request.

“Avenue committee — cease telling folks what y’all would do when any person did you flawed … discuss reckless to you,” he mentioned. “Someone did you flawed if you have been youthful, you are not turning a cheek.”

Sharpe’s co-host, former Cincinnati Bengals participant Ochocinco, echoed his sentiment, noting the person used to “bully” Morgan after they have been youthful, and now is not the time to try to mooch off his success.

In line with BET, Morgan was concerned in a near-fatal automobile crash with a Walmart truck that claimed the lifetime of his buddy, Jimmy McNair, in 2014. The accident left the comic with damaged bones and mind trauma after being in a coma for 2 weeks.

Studies declare the comic acquired a hefty payout following a authorized battle with Walmart. Nevertheless, in a earlier interview, the performer mentioned he discovered little solace within the cash. In truth, he confessed he’d give all of it away to have his buddy again.