KANSAS City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker delivered a defiant message to his critics after being criticized for comments he made during a divisive commencement speech.
The NFL star came under fire after expressing differing views on abortion, the LGBTQ+ community and women while addressing Benedictine College graduates earlier this month.
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Butker, 28, who is a devout Catholic, dismissed the criticism during Friday’s Courage Under Fire Gala at the Regina Caeli Academy.
“If it wasn’t clear that timeless Catholic values are hated by many, it is now,” said the Chiefs player.
“In recent days, my beliefs – or what people think I believe – have been the focus of countless discussions around the world.
“Initially, many people expressed a shocking level of hatred.
“But as the days went by, even those who disagreed with my views shared their support for my religious freedom.
“In my seven years in the NFL, I have become familiar with the positive and negative comments.
“But most of them revolved around my performance on the field.”
“But, as expected, the more I talk about what I value most – which is my Catholic faith – the more polarizing I become.
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“It’s a decision I made consciously and I don’t regret it.”
In her Benedictine College commencement address, Butker spoke out against abortion and Pride Month while encouraging female graduates to embrace their “calling as a wife and as a mother.”
The NFL kicker’s comments sparked a lot of outrage in the US.
But many members of the Chiefs franchise defended the former Georgia Tech standout.
“I know Harrison,” Patrick Mahomes said recently.
“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.”
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.”
At the same time, Mahomes distanced himself from some of Butker’s claims.
“When you’re in the locker room, there’s a lot of people from different walks of life,” the two-time NFL MVP 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.”
Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce echoed Mahomes’ statements, saying he wouldn’t judge Butker for his religious views.
Kansas City heiress Gracie Hunt had a similar response – saying she respected Butker’s faith.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
