Coach of the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs. Andy Reid stands close by Harrison Butker after the kicker’s closely criticized speech on the ceremony.
“I did not speak to him about it [the speech]. We’re a microcosm of life right here, from totally different territories, totally different religions, races, and that is why all of us get alongside and respect one another’s opinion,” stated 66-year-old Reed throughout a press convention on Wednesday, Could 22. “We respect that everybody has a voice, that is a wonderful thing about America.”
Butker sparked controversy earlier this month when he spoke to graduates of Benedictine Faculty in Atchison, Kansas, and singled out feminine graduates.
“I congratulate the women current immediately on an exquisite achievement,” he stated. “Try to be pleased with every part you’ve got achieved up so far in your younger life. I need to communicate on to you briefly as a result of I feel it’s you ladies who’ve obtained essentially the most diabolical lie.
Harrison stated he would “danger a guess” that “most” of the feminine graduates current “are most enthusiastic about your marriage and the kids you are going to convey into this world” versus “all of the promotions and titles you are going to get.” get in your profession.”
Butker additionally spoke President Joe Biden, coping with the COVID pandemic, and the way “rising help for degenerate cultural values and media flows from the ubiquity of dysfunction.” He in contrast the LGBTQ+ neighborhood’s Pleasure Month to “lethal sins.”
The athlete, who was seen figuring out throughout an OTA Media Look on Wednesday, confronted backlash from Kansas Metropolis Chiefs followers and members of the general public. “My curiosity was piqued this week… What level was Harrison Butker actually attempting to make to ladies in his commencement speech about their life selections immediately? Did he really need them, they usually, and us, to imagine that our life actually begins solely after we lean on the vocation of spouse and mom?” Maria Shriver began in an extended submit by way of X on Could fifteenth.
She added: “I feel it is demeaning to ladies to suggest that their selections apart from being a spouse and motherhood pale compared to being a housewife.”
Brooke Schwartz — who’s married to retired Chiefs tight finish Mitch Schwartz — additionally criticized the athlete in a sequence of overdue Instagram tales.
“Is that what we’re telling younger ladies graduating from school? What’s an important factor they will develop into, is housewives???” she wrote. “What in The Handmaid’s Story is that shit?”
The NFL has since distanced itself from Butker’s feedback, saying in a press release this month that “his views don’t align with these of the NFL as a corporation.”
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes additionally shared his ideas on the speech throughout a convention name on Wednesday, telling reporters: “I’ve recognized him for seven years. I choose him by the character he reveals day by day, and he is an efficient man. … We won’t at all times agree. He stated some issues I do not agree with.’