Chiefs Coach Andy Reid Hasn’t Spoken to Kicker Harrison Butker About Controversial Speech
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Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid is supporting Harrison Butker after his commencement speech received criticism.
Reid shared during a press conference on Wednesday, May 22, that he did not discuss the speech with Butker. He emphasized the diversity within their team, with members coming from various backgrounds, religions, and races. Reid highlighted the importance of respecting each other's opinions and voices, stating that this is a great aspect of America.
At a recent speech at Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas, Butker caused a stir by addressing the female graduates in a special way. He congratulated them on their achievements and urged them to take pride in their accomplishments. Butker specifically wanted to address the women in the audience, expressing his belief that they have been unfairly targeted with false information.
Harrison suggested that most female graduates seemed more excited about marriage and having children rather than career advancements. He assumed that this was the main focus for many of them.
Butker criticized President Joe Biden and the handling of the COVID pandemic. He expressed his concerns about the increasing acceptance of what he considered to be negative cultural values and media influence, attributing it to the overall disorder he perceived. He also made a comparison between the LGBTQ+ community's Pride Month and what he referred to as "deadly sins."
During Wednesday's OTA Media Look, the athlete received criticism from both Kansas City Chiefs fans and public figures. Maria Shriver expressed her concerns regarding Harrison Butker's graduation speech, questioning if he truly believed that a woman's life only starts when she becomes a wife and mother. Shriver stated that it is disrespectful to suggest that roles outside of homemaker are inferior for women.
Brooke Schwartz, who is married to retired Chiefs offensive tackle Mitch Schwartz, criticized the athlete in a series of Instagram Stories that have since expired.
In her posts, she expressed disbelief at the idea that young women graduating college are being told that the most important thing they can aspire to become is a homemaker.
She questioned the message being sent, asking, "What in the Handmaid's Tale is this crap?"
The NFL made it clear that they do not support Butker's comments, stating that his views do not represent the organization.
During a conference on Wednesday, quarterback Patrick Mahomes commented on Butker's speech, saying, "I've known him for seven years. I judge him based on the person he is every day, and he is a good person. We may not always see eye to eye. He said things that I don't agree with."
Editor's P/S:
The recent commencement speech by Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker has sparked a heated debate about gender roles and social values. Butker's comments, which suggested that women's primary purpose is to be wives and mothers, have been met with widespread criticism, both from within the Chiefs organization and the public at large.
The NFL's swift condemnation of Butker's views sends a clear message that his opinions do not represent the values of the league. However, the fact that such views are held by a prominent player raises concerns about the prevalence of traditional gender stereotypes in sports culture. It is essential that players and coaches alike understand the importance of respecting and valuing all individuals, regardless of their gender or beliefs. The diversity of perspectives within the Chiefs team should be celebrated, not dismissed or marginalized.