Harrison Butker fires back at Serena Williams
The Chiefs kicker was called out during the recent ESPY Awards.
Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker found himself in controversy earlier this year after his faith based Commencement speech at Benedictine College went viral. A petition has garnered thousands of signatures to have him removed from the team, though he's gotten public support from Chiefs ownership along with quarterback Patrick Mahomes and head coach Andy Reid.
During the recent ESPY Awards, tennis icons Venus and Serena Williams delivered a jab at Butker, who was in attendance.
"You can enjoy women’s sports, just like any other sport, because they are sports," Venus said.
"Except for you, Harrison Butker, we don’t need you," Serena said.
Butker himself then would issue the following response:
"I thought Mrs. Williams was a great host and applaud her for using her platform to express her beliefs on a variety of topics," Butker told NBC Sports. "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."
While there were plenty who were opposed to Butker's comments during his Commencement speech, he clearly had widespread support as evidenced by his jersey sales skyrocketing. It also doesn't appear as though the Chiefs have any plans to ditch Butker, especially with him having garnered support from the highest profile faces within the organization.
Recommended articles:
