Harrison Butker faces petition to leave Kansas City Chiefs after misogynistic graduation speech
CLEVELAND, OHIO: Kansas City Chiefs' NFL star Harrison Butker is facing backlash as a Change.org petition demanding his release from the team and the NFL has gone viral following his controversial graduation speech at Benedictine College in Kansas.
Butker, known for his outspoken Catholic personality, is married and a father of two. During his speech at Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas, last weekend, he congratulated the women receiving their degrees. He suggested that many were likely more excited about getting married, having children, and staying at home to raise them, rather than focusing on establishing their careers.
Petition to release Harrison Butker from Kansas City Chiefs reaches 70K signatures
In addition to criticizing women, the 28-year-old also spoke against Pride month, a significant time for the LGBTQ+ rights movement, and expressed opposition to President Joe Biden's stance on abortion.
Now, the three-time Super Bowl champion finds himself embroiled in controversy as over 70,000 signatures have been gathered to end his seven-season association with the Chiefs. The number surged on Wednesday, May 15th evening, from 30,000 to over twice as high in a matter of hours.
Its description says, "The harmful remarks made by Harrison Butker, kicker of the Kansas City Chiefs, during his commencement address at Benedictine College were unacceptable."
It added, "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."
"These comments reinforce harmful stereotypes that threaten social progress. They create a toxic environment that hinders our collective efforts towards equality, diversity and inclusion in society. It is unacceptable for such a public figure to use their platform to foster harm rather than unity. It's important to note that these types of discriminatory attitudes contribute significantly towards societal issues such as hate crimes which have been on the rise in recent years (source: FBI Hate Crime Statistics). Furthermore, they can lead to increased mental health issues among targeted communities (source: American Psychological Association)," the description further cited.
It added, "We demand accountability from our sports figures who should be role models promoting respect for all people regardless of their race, gender identity or sexual orientation. We call upon the Kansas City Chiefs management to dismiss Harrison Butker immediately for his inappropriate conduct. Please sign this petition if you stand with us against discrimination and believe in fostering an inclusive society where everyone is treated with dignity and respect."
Georgia Tech's seventh-round selection in 2017 has evolved into one of the NFL's premier kickers, notably breaking the Chiefs' franchise record in 2022 with a 62-yard field goal. Butker played a pivotal role in the team's success, kicking the field goal that forced overtime in a Super Bowl victory over San Francisco in February.
Additionally, he contributed to securing a second Lombardi Trophy for the Chiefs in 2023. Notably, Butker was instrumental in the team's first Super Bowl win in fifty years in 2020.
Harrison Butker slammed over his comments
Social media users criticized Butker for his speech, with an Instagram user writing, "Did anyone throw a shoe at him?"
A user wrote, "So ridiculous." Another user said, "Lol. You're just a kicker, bro. You're barely on the team."
Another user said, "This is what happens when all you can get for your commencement is a football player."
A user said, "Wonder if he makes his mother proud with this BS," while a user said, "@killatrav get ya boi and teach him some things."
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