Kansas City Chiefs' kicker Harrison Butker has found himself in the eye of a storm following his contentious commencement speech at Benedictine College, a Catholic liberal arts school. The NFL has since distanced itself from Butker's remarks, which have sparked a heated debate online and led to a surge in his jersey sales.
In his address, Butker, a three-time Super Bowl champion, voiced his conservative Catholic beliefs, taking aim at Pride Month, women in the workforce, President Biden, and abortion. His comments, particularly those encouraging women to embrace the role of homemakers, have drawn widespread criticism.
Jonathan Beane, the senior vice president and chief diversity and inclusion officer at the NFL, clarified the league's stance in a statement to CBS News. "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."
Butker's speech has not only sparked backlash but also led to a surge in his popularity among certain quarters. His jersey sales have skyrocketed, ranking among the NFL's top sellers, according to KCTV.
The kicker's remarks have also led to a petition on Change.org calling for his dismissal, which has garnered over 95,000 signatures. Despite the controversy, some conservative sports media personalities have defended Butker's statements, arguing that they should not be considered controversial.
The Kansas City Chiefs have yet to comment on the matter. Butker's speech has certainly ignited a cultural battle, with critics arguing that his comments reinforce harmful stereotypes and hinder social progress. Supporters, on the other hand, laud him for standing up for traditional values.
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