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Kansas City head coach Andy Reid has responded publicly to Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker’s controversial commencement speech. The coach didn’t condone the comments, but he supported his special teamer while addressing the situation.
Harrison Butker went viral for words spoken during a graduation ceremony at a Catholic college. The kicker was blasted by many for comments made regarding women in the workplace.
“I think it is you, the women, who have had the most diabolical lies told to you,” he said. “How many of you are sitting here now, about to cross this stage, thinking about all the promotions and titles you’re going to get in your career?
“Some of you may go onto lead successful careers in the world, but I would venture to guess the majority of you are most excited about your marriage, and the children you will bring into this world.
“I can tell you that my beautiful wife, Isabel, would be the first to say that her life truly started when she began living her vocation as a wife… [She embraced] one of the most important titles of all – homemaker.”
What KC kicker Harrison Butker saw when he looked out on the grads at Benedictine College & told the women their lives start when they begin living their vocation as wife and mother, and their most important title will be “homemaker”…
(wait for it) pic.twitter.com/LW86il8OPq
— Eric Champnella (@champnella) May 15, 2024
Many immediately viewed the speech as misogynistic, with the words landing criticism from personalities like Eddie Vedder and Sam Ponder.
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes defended his kicker, saying that he is a “good person.” Now, the team’s head coach has chimed in.
Asked about Harrison Butker’s speech during a recent media appearance, Andy Reid had the following to say:
“I don’t think he was speaking ill of women, but he has his opinions and we all respect that. I let you guys in this room, and you have a lot of opinions that I don’t like.”
When asked a question about Butker’s speech, Andy Reid was absolutely savage in his answer regarding the media members they let in the room 💀 pic.twitter.com/SbBe01eHDM
— how bout those CHIEFS (@hbtCHIEFS) May 22, 2024
Reid supported Butker while noting that his opinions are his own. The comments haven’t seemed to create any strife in the locker room to this point.