Harrison Butker responds to public callout

Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker has been criticized by numerous people this NFL offseason following his controversial speech at a college convocation speech back in May. But on Thursday night, he was called out in perhaps the most public way to date, which he has since responded to.

For reference, Butker’s speech included several anti-LGBTQ ideologies along with comments on how women should be focused on being a mother and a wife instead of pursuing a career.

Naturally, those spoken about in this speech have naturally addressed against Butker’s speech. On Thursday during the ESPYS, star tennis sisters Serena Williams and Venus Williams, joined by actress and comedian Quinta Brunson, took the opportunity to make a joke on Butker’s behalf.

“Go ahead and enjoy women’s sports like you would any other sports, because they are sports,” said Venus Williams.

“Except you, Harrison Butker,” Serena Williams added. “We don’t need you.”

“At all,” Brunson later added. “Like, ever.”

Butker, who was actually in attendance at the ESPYS, addressed these comments from Serena Williams in particular in a statement on Friday, where he largely played the victim role.

“I thought Mrs. Williams was a great host and I applaud her for using her platform to express her beliefs on a variety of topics,” Butker said via NBC News. “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.”

Being put on blast like Butker was in front of millions of people can’t feel great. So it’s pretty understandable as to why he feels a bit attacked here. But also, considering his past comments, he pretty much signed up for this kind of scrutiny when it comes to the top female athletes across the world.

[NBC News]