The polarizing commencement speech remarks from Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker have divided the sports world.
Some have called for the 28-year-old’s job, while others, including teammates Patrick Mahomes and Chris Jones, have supported Butker’s right to freely express his beliefs.
Although the NFL has stated that Butker’s views do not reflect those of the league, Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel emphasized a broader lesson for all NFL players in light of Butker’s comments.
“I think you do have to open the eyes of the players to their platform if they’re new to the situation,” McDaniel said, via Pro Football Network’s Adam Beasley. “I think you have to understand that what you say publicly can be fragmented and last with you forever. I really emphasize that whatever you’re going to say, you better believe it. You just try to educate people to understand the consequences of whatever they do. They have the freedom of choice, and if they want to go that direction, go right ahead.”
Butker faced backlash for his speech at Benedictine College’s commencement on May 11, where he claimed that women have been told “diabolical lies” about the value of obtaining a degree over becoming a wife and mother.
Commissioner Roger Goodell declined to comment further on the matter beyond the league’s initial statement during the league meetings in Nashville this week, stating the NFL has more than 3,000 players and executives who have “a diversity of opinions and thoughts” that “make us as a society better.”
