Kansas City Chiefs’ Kicker Harrison Butker Faces Backlash for Controversial Commencement Speech
Harrison Butker, known for his exceptional place-kicking skills in the N.F.L., found himself at the center of a social media storm after delivering a controversial commencement address at Benedictine College last weekend. The conservative Catholic school in Atchison, Kan., was the setting for Butker’s 20-minute speech, in which he expressed strong conservative views on various topics.
Butker criticized President Joe Biden for his support of abortion rights, urged women to prioritize their roles as wives and mothers over careers, and encouraged men to embrace their masculinity. His remarks, which included references to Catholic values and traditional gender roles, sparked a heated debate online.
While Butker received applause and a standing ovation from the audience at the college, the N.F.L. issued a statement distancing itself from his views. The Los Angeles Chargers, a rival team, even took a jab at Butker on social media.
Despite his success on the football field, including three Super Bowl wins with the Chiefs, Butker had never been in the spotlight for his off-field views. However, his commencement speech has now put him in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons.
Critics, including former Kansas City commissioner Justice Horn and feminist author Jessica Valenti, condemned Butker’s remarks as regressive and harmful. The N.F.L.’s chief diversity and inclusion officer emphasized that Butker’s views do not align with the league’s values of inclusion and diversity.
As the controversy continues to unfold, social media users have also pointed out the irony of Butker’s views on women in the workplace, considering his mother’s successful career as a medical physicist. The backlash against Butker serves as a reminder that even in the world of sports, athletes are not immune to scrutiny for their personal beliefs and statements.
