HARRISON Butker caused controversy online after his speech at Kansas Benedictine College went viral.
The 28-year-old Kansas City Chiefs kicker singled out US President Joe Biden and the LGBTQ+ community during his commencement speech to the Class of 2024 last weekend.
Who is Harrison Butker?
Harrison Butker is a professional football player born on July 14, 1995, in Decatur, Georgia.
Butker began his football career at Georgia Tech University, where he studied industrial engineering from 2013 to 2016.
After playing college football, Butker declared for the 2017 NFL Draft.
He was originally selected by the Carolina Panthers on their practice squad but ended up signing with the Kansas City Chiefs in September 2017.
In 2019, he was named the NFL’s scoring leader. That same year, he helped the Chiefs win their second Super Bowl since their first in 1970.
He is married to his high school sweetheart, Isabelle Tehrani, and the couple has two children.
What did Harrison Butker say at Benedictine College?
Chiefs kicker was criticized for being “homophobic, sexist and racist” after making his controversial comments about abortion rights, working mothers, Biden’s leadership and Pride Month.
Harrison Butker on LGBTQ+ rights and Pride
Not the kind of pride in mortal sin that has an entire month dedicated to it.
But the true God-centered pride is cooperating with the Holy Spirit to glorify HimHarrison Butker
Butker, an avowed Catholic, urged students to stay on the path of righteousness and religion during his speech.
Most read in American football
He criticized those who stray from religious teachings and praised the Benedictine college for proudly embracing traditional values.
“It’s not the kind of pride in mortal sin that has a whole month dedicated to it.
“But true God-centered pride is cooperating with the Holy Spirit to glorify Him,” he added.
Butker on stay-at-home women and mothers
The football player also addressed the female audience and encouraged them to “support themselves in their vocation” as a wife and mother.
He attributed his success to the sacrifice of his wife, who gave up her dream of having a career, but has no regrets.
She added that “her life truly began when she began to live her vocation as a wife and mother”.
Butker said: “The women, who have been told the most diabolical lies, how many of you are sitting here now about to walk across the stage and thinking about all the promotions and titles you are going to get in your career.
“Some of you can have successful careers in the world. But I would venture to guess that most of you are very excited about your marriage and the children you will bring into this world.
“All of my success was possible because a girl I met in high school band class would convert to faith, become my wife, and embrace one of the most important titles of all: homemaker.”
4
Kansas Chief Kicker’s Opinion on Abortion and Joe Biden
Butker attacked Biden for supporting abortion rights, which the Kansas Chief supporter labeled as “murdering innocent babies.”
He went on to state that many people mistakenly think they can be Catholic and pro-choice.
Butker said: “Things like abortion, in vitro fertilization, surrogacy, euthanasia, as well as a growing support for degenerate cultural values and media, all result from the spread of disorder.
“Our own nation is led by a man who publicly and proudly proclaims his Catholic faith, but at the same time is delusional enough to make the sign of the cross during a pro-abortion rally.”
4
What has happened since Harrison Butker gave his commencement speech?
A petition was launched on Charge.org, demanding that Butker be kicked out of the Kansas City Chiefs.
The 28-year-old found himself in trouble as more than 70,000 people have now signed the petition calling for his career to end.
The appeal accused Butker of being “homophobic, anti-trans, anti-abortion and racist.”
He claimed his comments promoted harmful stereotypes that contribute to hate crimes and mental health problems, citing the American Psychological Association.
The petition said: “These dehumanizing comments 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 that a public figure of this type uses his platform to promote harm instead of unity.
“We demand responsibility from our sporting figures, who should play a role models promote respect for all people, regardless of their race, gender identity or sexual orientation.”
“We call on Kansas City Chiefs management to immediately fire Harrison Butker for his inappropriate conduct.”
O NFL also spoke out on the matter, adding that the player’s comments do not reflect the league’s values.
NFL Senior Vice President Jonathan Beane said in a statement to People: “”Harrison Butker gave a speech in a personal capacity.
“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.”
4
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
