Kansas City Chiefs Coach Andy Reid recently spoke up about Harrison Butker’s controversial commencement speech.
Butker, kicker for the Chiefs, sparked widespread controversy when he delivered a commencement address to the graduating class of Benedictine College, a private Catholic liberal arts college in Kansas.
During his speech, Butker made countless comments that didn’t sit well with many. For example, he spoke directly to women graduates about motherhood.
“For the ladies present today, congratulations on an amazing accomplishment,” he said. “You should be proud of all that you have achieved to this point in your young lives. I want to speak directly to you briefly because I think it is you, the women, who have had the most diabolical lies told to you.”
“How many of you are sitting here now about to cross this stage and are thinking about all the promotions and titles you are going to get in your career?” he continued.
“Some of you may go on to lead successful careers in the world, but I would venture to guess that the majority of you are most excited about your marriage and the children you will bring into this world.”
Butker also took a dig at the LGBTQ community, encouraging grads to have Catholic pride, “not the deadly sin sort of pride that has an entire month dedicated to it.”
Chiefs Coach Andy Reid Responds to Harrison Butker’s Commencement Speech
Many individuals were disgusted by the speech, including one of his fellow teammates’ wives. Brooke Schwartz, who is married to former Chiefs player Mitch Schwartz, slammed Butker on Instagram.
“This is what we’re telling young women graduating college? That the most important thing they can become is a homemaker???” she wrote on her Instagram Stories. “What in the Handmaid’s Tale is this crap?”
Reid, Chiefs coach, shared his own take on the matter.
“I didn’t talk to him about [the speech]. We’re a microcosm of life here, from different areas, different religions, races and so we all get along and we all respect each other’s opinions,” he said during a press conference on Wednesday. “We respect everybody to have a voice, that’s the great thing about America.”
Additionally, Patrick Mahomes, quarterback of the Chiefs, shared his opinion on Butker.
“I’ve known him for seven years. I judge him by the character he shows every day and that’s a good person,” he said. “We’re not always going to agree. He said certain things I don’t agree with.”