After Harrison Butker, the kicker for the Kansas City Chiefs, made a contentious commencement speech at Benedictine College in Kansas last weekend and faced criticism for remarks that were interpreted as disrespectful and misogynistic, the NFL distanced itself from the player.
The private Catholic college’s commencement speaker, Butker, was cheered on during the event, but his conservative viewpoint—particularly his comments about women—later provoked anger and controversy online. He once urged women to value their roles as spouses, mothers, and homemakers as their “vocation.”
Following the viral success of Butker’s statement, the NFL addressed the outcry. In a statement to ML Football, Jonathan Beane, senior vice president of the NFL and top diversity and inclusion officer, noted that Harrison Butker spoke in his individual role. “The NFL as an organization does not share his opinions. The NFL is unwavering in its dedication to diversity, which strengthens our league. During his lecture, Butker implied that women are more valued when they work from home than when they achieve professional success.
He began his statement by saying, “I want to speak directly to you because I think it is you, the women, who have had the most diabolical lies told to you.” “How many of you are thinking about all the titles and promotions you will receive in your career as you sit here, about to pass this stage? I’m going to imagine that most of you are most thrilled about getting married and starting a family, even though some of you may go on to have prosperous professions in the world.
“I have a wife who embraces her career, which allows me to be the man I am on this stage today,” he continued.
He continued by denouncing President Joe Biden for his advocacy of the right to abortion. In addition, he made reference to a “deadly sin sort of pride that has a month dedicated to it,” which seems to be Pride Month.
Soon after Butker’s statement, people expressed their displeasure on the internet. On X, someone commented, “Harrison Butker is a disgusting human being.”
Another member on X commented, “No, Harrison Butker didn’t praise women or promote family values with his sexist bigoted speech—rather, he attacked LGBTQ+ people while telling women that all they should aspire to do in life is serve a man like a handmaid.”
A Change.org petition with over 150,000 signatures called for Butker’s dismissal from the Kansas City Chiefs due to his remarks.
Willard Harris, the person who initiated the petition, stated on the website, “We demand accountability from our sports figures, who should be role models promoting respect for all people regardless of their race, gender identity, or sexual orientation.”
