NFL commissioner Roger Goodell defended Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker's right to speak out amid backlash over his controversial commencement speech at Benedict College on May 11.
From NFL Insider Tom Pelissero:
“We have over 3,000 players. We have executives all over the league. Just like America, they have diverse opinions and ideas. That's something we value,” Goodell said. He spoke at a press conference at Spring Meeting in Nashville on Wednesday.
Last week, the NFL distanced itself from Butker's speech, issuing a statement saying, “His views are not those of the NFL as a whole.”
“Harrison Butker spoke in his own capacity as an individual,” NFL executive vice president and chief diversity and inclusion officer Jonathan Bean said in a statement. “His opinions do not represent those of the NFL organization. The NFL remains steadfast in its commitment to inclusion, which can only make the league stronger.”
In his speech, Butker said the female graduates had been “told the worst lies.”
“While some of you may continue to have successful careers around the world, I would venture to guess that the vast majority of you are most excited about your marriages and the children you are bringing into this world,” he said. “My beautiful wife, Isabel, will be the first to say her life truly began when she began her calling as a wife and mother.”
Also, his speech was not limited to women being housewives. He condemned homosexuality, calling it “pride like a deadly sin, dedicated to homosexuality for a month.” He also criticized President Joe Biden's administration.
The 28-year-old Butker has been a kicker in the NFL since 2017. In 2019, he led the league in field goals attempted (38) and made (34). In seven seasons, he made 192 of 221 field goals attempted, for an 89.1% success rate.
