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Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker didn’t appreciate the shot that Serena Williams took at him at the ESPYs this week.
And he’s speaking out about it.
Butker’s name came up as Williams and her sister Venus joined Quinta Brunson on stage to discuss women’s sports.
“So, go ahead and enjoy women’s sports like you would any other sports, because they are sports,” Venus said.
To which Serena, who hosted the event, replied “Except you, Harrison Butker. We don’t need you.”
“At all. Like, ever,” Brunson added.
The jab, of course, was in reference to Butker’s comments earlier this year that women should be “homemakers.”
“I think it is you, the women, who have had the most diabolic lies told to you. 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… embrace one of the most important titles of all: homemaker,” Butker said while giving a commencement speech at Benedictine College.
Harrison Butker Issues Statement Addressing Serena Williams
He’s standing by those comments, too.
On Friday, Butker responded to Williams’ criticism of him.
“I thought Mrs. Williams was a great host and applaud her for using her platform to express her beliefs on a variety of topics,” he told NBC News.
But then he changed course.
“Sports are supposed to be the great unifier and at an event dedicated to celebrating a diverse group of men and women who have accomplished great feats, she used it as an opportunity to disinvite those with whom she disagrees with from supporting fellow athletes.”
Some would argue that Butker’s initial comments were divisive in their own right. But who’s to say…