The ESPYs once again turned the media spotlight around toward Harrison Butker just as it was beginning to dim.
In his graduating address at Benedictine College, the Kansas City Chiefs kicker caused a stir by urging female graduates to embrace the role of a “homemaker wholeheartedly.” The speech became an anthem for both proponents and opponents of Butker’s message.
Celebrating the tremendous growth in the popularity of women’s sports, the controversial moment happened when actress Quinta Brunson and tennis great Venus and Serena Williams were together on stage.
Venus told the audience that if you enjoy sports, you can enjoy women’s sports because they are all sports. While Venus was speaking, her younger sister, Serena, couldn’t help but chuckle and quip, “Except for you.” She then clarified that she was speaking about Harrison Butker.
“We don’t need you,” she continued.
“At all,” Brunson chimed in, “ever.”
The audience applauded the barb.
In his commencement speech, Butker also criticized abortion, euthanasia, as well as the growing support for degenerate cultural values. He continued by attacking the LGBTQ community.
Two weeks later, Butker doubled down at another public appearance and continued to make public appearances without apologizing for his remarks, saying he wasn’t trying to please people; it is Jesus Christ he tries to please.”
He said that if it wasn’t clear that the timeless Catholic values were hated by many, it is now. Butker noted that he was aware he had become a “more polarizing” person owing to his public opinions.
Critics say that his speech was divisive and a minority opinion, but Butker’s shirt sales on NFL Shop have soared since.
In February, he helped the Chiefs win back-to-back championships while playing in his third Super Bowl, this time with Kansas City.
Butker responded to Serena’s snarky jab by saying it was unfortunate that she used the event as a platform to exclude those with whom she disagreed. He praised her for being a magnificent host but felt the event’s intended purpose was to honor a diverse collection of individuals who had achieved amazing things.
The football kicker stated that he had no regrets about his commencement speech “at all” and has now reaffirmed his positions.
The NFL issued a statement a few days following Butker’s speech in which it distanced itself from his remarks and stated that his views do not reflect the league’s overall position, but the NFL commissioner, Roger Goodell, said that the organization values “diversity of opinions and thoughts.”
