More than a week after Benedict College's controversial commencement speech made headlines, Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker participated in the team's first day of voluntary practice.
Butker did not speak to reporters Wednesday, but quarterback Patrick Mahomes and coach Andy Reid did. Unsurprisingly, Butker was asked about her May 11 speech in which she expressed radical views about gender roles and spoke about abortion, President Biden, and Pride Month. while addressing 485 students graduating from the private Catholic university in Atchison, Kansas.
“I don't necessarily agree with some of the things he says, but I understand his character and he's trying to do whatever he can to steer people in the right direction,” Mahomes said. “It may not be the same as my values, but at the same time I'm going to judge him by the character he shows every day. That's a great guy.”
Mr. Reed said: “I talk to Harrison all the time. We didn't talk about this because we didn't think we needed to. We're a microcosm of life here. We're all from different regions, different religions, different races. That's why we all get along so well. We respect each other's opinions.”
Also, at the conclusion of the NFL's spring conference in Nashville on Wednesday, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said this in response to a question about Butker's comments: “We have over 3,000 players. We have people in the leadership of the league with as diverse opinions and ideas as we have in America. That's something we value and ultimately our I think it’s part of what makes society better.”
Last week, Jonathan Beane, the NFL's executive vice president and chief diversity and inclusion officer, said, “Harrison Butker spoke in his personal capacity. His opinions are not those of the NFL as an organization. The NFL is committed to inclusion. We remain steadfast in our commitment to this, and it will only make our league stronger.”
In his commencement speech, Butker told the male graduates to “never be ashamed of their masculinity” and told the female graduates, “Most of you are most excited about marriage and the children you will bring into this world.” I think that's the case,” he said.
Afterwards, Butker told the women: …All of my success has been made possible because a girl I met in band class in middle school converted to the faith, became my wife, and embraced one of the most important titles of all: homemaker.”
Mr. Reed was asked Wednesday what he would say if a female employee raised concerns about the content of Mr. Butker's speech.
“That's not what's happening,” Reid said. “I don't think he was saying anything bad about women, but he has his opinions and we all respect those. I put you in this room and a lot of your opinions are ones I don't like.”
Butker, Reid and Mahomes are all members of the Chiefs, who have played in four of the last five Super Bowls and won three, including the last two, and Mahomes said he could vouch for Butker's character.
“I know Harrison. I've known him for seven years and I judge him by the character that he displays every day, which is a good person,” Mahomes said. “He's someone who cares about those around him, who cares about his family, who wants to make a positive impact on the community.”
