NFL distances itself from Chiefs’ Harrison Butker’s Benedictine College speech

In response to the controversy surrounding Harrison Butker’s graduation speech at Benedictine School, the NFL distanced itself from the concepts expressed within the speech, saying the league doesn’t share the beliefs the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs kicker voiced whereas addressing the graduating college students.

Through the graduation speech, Butker referred to Pleasure Month for example of the “lethal sins.” He additionally addressed gender ideologies and mentioned a girl’s most essential title is “homemaker.”

“Not the lethal sins type of Pleasure that has a complete month devoted to it,” Butker mentioned, “however the true God-centered pleasure that’s cooperating with the holy ghost to glorify him.”

Butker spoke for greater than 20 minutes to college students on the Catholic faculty in Atchison, Kan., saying he needed the graduating class to stop political leaders from interfering with social points that affect their relationship with the church.

In response, NFL senior vp and chief variety and inclusion officer Jonathan Beane mentioned in a press release to The Athletic that Butker gave the speech “in his private capability.”

“His views aren’t these of the NFL as a company. The NFL is steadfast in our dedication to inclusion, which solely makes our league stronger,” Beane mentioned. His assertion was first reported by Individuals.

The Chiefs declined to remark when reached Thursday by The Athletic.

Whereas Pleasure Month, which is in June, falls exterior the NFL’s season, the league participates in LGBTQ+ initiatives. On the Wednesday earlier than Tremendous Bowl LVIII, the NFL hosted a “Night time of Pleasure” occasion in partnership with GLAAD, the LGBTQ+ advocacy group.

The Chiefs are among the many NFL groups which have a Pleasure choice of attire with rainbow colours. Kansas Metropolis can be among the many many North American cities that host Pleasure occasions throughout June, led by the KC Pleasure Group Alliance.

Later Thursday, legendary school soccer coach and TV analyst Lou Holtz took to X to thank Butker “for standing robust in your religion values.”

“Your graduation speech at Benedictine School confirmed braveness and conviction and I like that,” Holtz wrote, later linking to a kind from America First Works for folks to signal and supply their because of Butker for his feedback.

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(Picture: Ric Tapia / Getty Pictures)