NFL makes statement on Chiefs K Harrison Butker's controversial speech: "His views are not those of the NFL"
After days of outrage from fans and media, the NFL on Thursday addressed Harrison Butker's controversial commencement speech. Butker's speech at Benedictine College in Kansas on Saturday spread his ideology on topics including gender, sexuality, abortion and President Joe Biden's faith.
On Wednesday, the NFL's Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer, Jonathan Beane, gave a statement to The Athletic on behalf of the league.
“Harrison Butker gave a speech in his personal capacity," Beane said. "His views are not those of the NFL as an organization. The NFL is steadfast in our commitment to inclusion, which only makes our league stronger.”
During his speech, Butker said this:
“I want to speak directly to you briefly because I think it is you, the women, who have had the most diabolical lies told to you. How many of you are sitting here now about to cross this stage and are thinking about all the promotions and titles you are going to get in your career?
"Some of you may go on to lead successful careers in the world, but I would venture to guess that the majority of you are most excited about your marriage and the children you will bring into this world.”
In regards to diversity and inclusion, Butker said:
“The world around us says that we should keep our beliefs to ourselves whenever they go against the tyranny of diversity, equity and inclusion.”
NFL fans start petition calling for Chiefs to release Harrison Butker
Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker's Saturday speech at the Benedictine College commencement ceremony voiced his views on several controversial topics that have landed him in hot water with NFL fans, especially the female fan base.
Fans were so outraged by Butker's comments that they created a petition on Change.org calling for the Chiefs to release him after his comments. As of Thursday, the petition had over 110,000 signatures since Monday, when it was created.
The creators of the petition "Demand the Kansas City Chiefs to Dismiss Harrison Butker for Discriminatory Remarks" state that Butker's views are damaging and can fuel hate:
"The harmful remarks made by Harrison Butker, kicker of the Kansas City Chiefs, during his commencement address at Benedictine College were unacceptable. His comments were sexist, homophobic, anti-trans, anti-abortion and racist.
"These dehumanizing remarks against LGBTQ+ individuals, attacks on abortion rights and racial discrimination perpetuate division and undermine human rights."
The Kansas City Chiefs have yet to comment on Butker's commencement speech; however, it's unlikely the team will release him.