Harrison Butker’s controversial commencement speech at Benedictine College has sparked significant debate, with key NFL figures addressing it for the first time this week.
The Kansas City Chiefs kicker criticized abortion rights, Pride Month, COVID-19 lockdowns, “dangerous gender ideologies,” and “the tyranny of diversity, equity and inclusion.” He also encouraged female graduates to embrace homemaking. The speech, which has garnered nearly 2 million views on YouTube, resonated with some football fans and conservative figures like Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley, leading to a surge in Butker’s jersey sales.
However, the speech faced widespread backlash from various groups, including some Benedictine College students, an affiliated order of nuns, Kansas City officials, and fans of Taylor Swift, whom Butker quoted as “my teammate’s girlfriend.”
The NFL distanced itself from Butker’s remarks, stating he made them “in his personal capacity” and “his views are not those of the NFL.” Commissioner Roger Goodell emphasized the league’s commitment to inclusion, noting the diversity of opinions within the NFL.
Some social media users contrasted Goodell’s response with his reaction to Colin Kaepernick’s protest against racial injustice. Kaepernick, who began kneeling during the national anthem in 2016, faced criticism and was eventually not signed by any NFL team after opting out of his contract with the 49ers in 2017. Goodell later acknowledged the NFL’s failure to listen to players like Kaepernick and encouraged peaceful protest.
Whoopi Goldberg on The View and some Chiefs leaders, including Patrick Mahomes and Head Coach Andy Reid, defended Butker’s right to express his views. Mahomes highlighted Butker’s character, while Reid stated he hadn’t discussed the speech with Butker, believing it unnecessary.
The contrasting reactions to Butker and Kaepernick highlight ongoing debates over free speech and political expression in sports.
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