The National Football League has condemned a graduation speech by Kansas City Chiefs player Harrison Butker at Benedictine College that contained sexist and anti-LGBTQ remarks. Butker spoke about his beliefs on gender ideologies, abortion, and other topics during his address at the private Catholic college in Kansas. The NFL made it clear that Butker was speaking in his personal capacity and that his views do not reflect those of the organization, emphasizing the league’s commitment to inclusion.
During his controversial speech, Butker made remarks about gender ideologies, women’s roles as homemakers, and urged male graduates to embrace their masculinity. He also referenced his teammate Travis Kelce’s girlfriend, Taylor Swift, using lyrics from her song “Bejeweled.” The backlash to Butker’s speech came swiftly, with many criticizing his views as misogynistic and out of touch with modern attitudes towards LGBTQ+ individuals and women’s roles in society.
Former country commissioner Justice Horn called out Butker for not representing the true values of Kansas City, a city known for its inclusivity and acceptance of LGBTQ+ community members. GLAAD CEO Sarah Kate Ellis also commented on Butker’s speech, describing it as inaccurate, ill-informed, and not in line with the views of most Americans regarding LGBTQ+ issues. Many social media users pointed out the irony of Butker promoting traditional gender roles for women, while his own mother was a successful physicist.
In response to the criticism of Butker, the NFL reiterated its commitment to inclusion and diversity within the organization. The league made it clear that Butker was speaking on his own behalf and that his views did not reflect those of the NFL. Despite the backlash, Butker has not publicly commented on the controversy surrounding his speech. It remains to be seen how this incident will impact Butker’s reputation both on and off the field.
The controversy surrounding Butker’s graduation speech highlights the ongoing challenges and debates surrounding issues of gender, sexuality, and inclusion in society. As a public figure, Butker’s remarks have sparked a conversation about the importance of promoting respect, acceptance, and understanding towards all individuals, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation. The response from both the NFL and the public demonstrates a collective commitment to creating a more inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone.
