Legendary tennis player Serena Williams shared her opinion on controversial NFL kicker Harrison Butker at this year’s ESPY Awards, prompting a response from Butker.
During her speech, Serena emphasized the importance of supporting women’s sports, saying, “So, go ahead and enjoy women’s sports like you would any other sports, because they are sports.” Then, she added a pointed remark, “Except you, Harrison Butker. We don’t need you.”
Butker, taken aback by the comment, later addressed the issue. “Sports are supposed to be the great unifier,” he said. “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 from supporting fellow athletes.”
Former ESPN personality Jemele Hill also weighed in, disagreeing with Butker’s perspective. She referenced his controversial commencement speech earlier this year, in which he suggested that women focus on being homemakers rather than pursuing careers. “I thought graduation speeches were supposed to encourage graduates to explore the opportunities and pathways that their educational advancement has created,” Hill said. “Instead, he chose to tell the women there they’ve wasted their time and should focus on being homemakers. There is nothing wrong with being a homemaker IF that’s what you choose to do. But that isn’t what he said.”
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Hill has been critical of Butker since his comments, asserting that his views are misguided. “A woman having freedom of choice probably melts your brain, but I promise it will be fine,” she said in May in response to praise Butker received for his remarks.
The debate surrounding Butker shows no signs of abating as the 2024 NFL season approaches. The kicker, who previously flew under the radar, will now be one of the more high-profile players in the league, whether he likes it or not. As the controversy continues, both supporters and critics will undoubtedly keep a close eye on his actions and statements.
