Harrison Butker, a Kansas City Chiefs kicker, had no remorse about expressing his ideas in a recent commencement speech. He claims to have received both support and “a shocking level of hate” from others.
Butker spoke Friday night at the Regina Caeli Academy Courage Under Fire Gala in Nashville, Tennessee.
Harrison Butker Has No Regrets About Expressing His Beliefs During Recent Commencement Speech
He made his first public remarks since his controversial recent commencement speech at Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas, where he said most women receiving degrees were probably more excited about getting married and having kids; argued some Catholic leaders were “pushing dangerous gender ideologies onto the youth of America;” referred to a “deadly sin sort of pride that has a month dedicated to it” in an oblique reference to Pride month; and took aim at President.
“It is now, over the past few days, my beliefs or what people think I believe have been the focus of countless discussions around the globe,” Butker stated on Friday. “From the start, many people displayed alarming levels of hatred. However, as time passed, even those who disagreed with my ideas supported my religious freedom.
Butker said that he understands criticism for his on-field performance. The 28-year-old stated that he cherishes his religion more than football.
“It’s a decision I’ve consciously made and one I do not regret at all,” he stated.
Harrison Butker Has No Regrets About Expressing His Beliefs During Recent Commencement Speech
The NFL has distanced itself from Butker’s remarks, stating that the comments and “views are not those of the NFL as an organization.”
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes said the three-time Super Bowl champion is entitled to his ideas, even if he doesn’t always agree.
Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce spoke about Butker on his “New Heights” podcast, saying he values him as a teammate.
Harrison Butker Has No Regrets About Expressing His Beliefs During Recent Commencement Speech
“When it comes down to his views and what he said at (the) commencement speech, those are his,” said Kelce. “I can’t say I agree with the majority of it, or any of it, except from him loving his family and children. And I don’t think I should condemn him based on his beliefs about how to live life, particularly his religious beliefs; that’s just not who I am.”
Kelce hosts the podcast with his brother Jason, who recently retired following a stellar career with the Philadelphia Eagles.
SOURCE – (AP)
