KANSAS City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes insists Harrison Butker is a good person.
The two-time NFL MVP addressed his teammate’s divisive comments he made during his commencement speech to Benedictine College graduates earlier this month.
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Butker, 28 – who is a devout Catholic – criticized abortion and suggested that Pride month promotes “dangerous gender ideologies”.
The Chiefs kicker also encouraged female graduates to dedicate themselves to their “calling as a wife and mother.”
While some suggested the former Georgia Tech standout had a right to express his beliefs, his comments generally sparked outrage across the country.
But Mahomes, 28, showed support for Butker when asked about the controversial speech after the training on Wednesday.
“I know Harrison,” the quarterback said.
“I’ve known Harrison for seven years and I judge him by the character he shows every day and he’s a good person.
“This is someone who cares about the people around them, cares about their family and wants to make a good impact on society.”
Mahomes made a point of highlighting that he didn’t share Butker’s opinion.
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“When you’re in the locker room, there are a lot of people from different walks of life,” he said.
“They have very different opinions about everything. And we won’t always agree.
“There are certain things he said that I don’t necessarily agree with.
“But I understand the person he is and he’s trying to do what he can to move people in the right direction.
“And those may not be the same values that I have.
“But at the same time, I’m going to judge him by the character he shows every day — and that’s a great person.”
Butker’s most controversial remarks in the speech
The NFL distanced itself from the comments
Harrison Butker’s commencement speech at Benedictine College went viral after he spoke about abortion, Pride month and Covid-19 lockdown measures.
An avowed Catholic, the NFL kicker urged students to stay on the path of righteousness and religion during his speech.
Butker criticized President Biden for supporting abortion rights, which he labeled as “murdering innocent babies.”
“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,” he continued.
“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.”
Butker went on to call Pride Month a “mortal sin” and suggested that it promoted “dangerous gender ideologies.”
He also singled out female graduates in the audience and told them they had heard “diabolical lies.”
“To the ladies in attendance today, congratulations on an incredible feat,” he began.
“I want to speak directly to you briefly because I think it was you, the women, who heard the most diabolical lies told.
“Some of you may go on to successful careers in the world, but I would venture to guess that most of you are more excited about your marriage and the children you will bring into this world.”
The NFL has since responded, saying: “[Butker’s] the opinions are not those of the NFL as an organization.”
Chiefs heir Gracie Hunt also came to Butker’s defense.
“I can only speak from experience, that I had the most amazing mother who had the ability to stay home and be with us as kids growing up,” she said on Fox and Friend last week.
“And I understand that there are a lot of women out there who can’t make that decision.
“But for me, in my life, I know it was really formative in shaping me and my brothers to be who we are.”
Hunt added that he respected Butker’s faith.
“I really respect Harrison and his Christian faith and what he has accomplished on and off the field,” she said.
On the other hand, the NFL distanced itself from the Chiefs kicker’s comments.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
