Track and field star Noah Lyles has once again found himself at the center of controversy, and this time, it’s not for his performances on the track.
During a fiery episode of Club Shay Shay, which aired on July 2, 2025, Olympic gold medalist Noah Lyles drew sharp criticism from Hollywood actor and comedian TK Kirkland, alongside host Shannon Sharpe, over what they called questionable decisions and character flaws.
The heated conversation began when Kirkland, visibly disappointed, took aim at Noah Lyles’ decision to back out of a highly anticipated sprint showdown against NFL star Tyreek Hill.
“I hate to say this about him, and I normally don’t say this about people,” Kirkland remarked before delivering a blistering statement:
“Somebody needs to whoop his a–.”
Kirkland didn’t stop there. Voicing frustration, he criticized Noah Lyles for lacking the courage to follow through on his public commitments.
“Now he needs to go in the room and get f—– up, so he can get some guts. Because I’m disappointed by how he moves as a man.”
At the heart of the outrage was Lyles’ abrupt withdrawal from the head-to-head sprint with Hill, a race that had promised to shut down Times Square and electrify the sports world. Citing “personal reasons,” Lyles pulled out just before the event, leaving his younger brother, Josephus, to face Hill alone at the ATX Sprint Classic. Hill clocked a 10.10s to Josephus’ 10.25s, and fans quickly mocked Lyles for dodging the contest.
Sharpe challenged Noah Lyles’ claims of global track supremacy.
“The most famous track and field athletes are Usain Bolt and Michael Johnson. People will buy a shoe because you are famous, not fast.”
His comments referenced a recent controversy where Lyles publicly criticized Adidas for failing to give him the same signature shoe deal attention as NBA star Anthony “Ant-Man” Edwards, a dispute that caused ripples in the sports apparel world.
Kirkland echoed Sharpe’s sentiments, pointing to Bolt as the blueprint of excellence both on and off the track.
“Character! Do you have a personality to sell? You see, Usain Bolt… he’s generous to the people, and he gives results. He wins.”
Indeed, Bolt’s charitable work, including a J$6.1 million donation to rural Jamaican schools earlier this year, and his eight Olympic gold medals were cited as proof that greatness extends beyond performance alone.
The debate broadened to how character influences career longevity and opportunities in sports. Kirkland cited the NFL as an example, referencing Kyler Murray’s $230 million contract, which famously included a clause mandating he spend time studying game film.
“They’ve been watching your character. And if your character’s not right, you could lose seven, eight, ten, even twenty million,” Kirkland argued.
Sharpe concluded by warning Lyles to focus on delivering results rather than critiquing others’ opportunities.
“If you feel like you deserve the shoe, then fine. But don’t talk about what somebody else has because you don’t have.”
As one of track and field’s most visible stars, Lyles is no stranger to controversy. His swagger and outspoken nature have earned him both admirers and detractors.
But with high-profile voices now openly questioning his character and decisions, the 27-year-old may need to re-evaluate how he navigates the spotlight, both on the track and in the court of public opinion.
