TO Change.org Petition Demanding the release of Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker from the team and the NFL has gone viral in the wake of his controversial commencement speech at a private university in Kansas.
Butker, an outspoken Catholic, congratulated the women who received their degrees at Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas, over the weekend, and said most of them were probably most excited about getting married, having children and staying home to raise them, instead of settling down. their own careers.
He also attacked Pride month, a particularly important time for the LGBTQ+ rights movement, and President Joe Biden’s stance on abortion.
But now the 28-year-old three-time Super Bowl champion is in hot water for his comments as more than 30,000 signatures have been gathered to end his seven-season association with the Chiefs.
More than 25,000 people signed it on Wednesday alone. The projected goal of the petition is 50,000 signatures.
Harrison Butker faces fierce backlash for comments on women, abortion and Pride Month
A viral petition about change. org has gathered 39,293 signatures to oust Butker from the Chiefs
A viral petition about change. org has gathered 39,293 signatures to oust Butker from the Chiefs
Butker, a seventh-round pick in 2017, has become one of the NFL’s best kickers and is a three-time Super Bowl champion.
His description reads: ‘The damaging comments made by Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker during his commencement speech at Benedictine College were unacceptable.
‘His comments were sexist, homophobic, anti-trans, anti-abortion and racist. These dehumanizing comments against LGBTQ+ people, attacks on abortion rights and racial discrimination perpetuate division and undermine human rights.
‘These comments reinforce harmful stereotypes that threaten social progress. They create a toxic environment that hinders our collective efforts towards equality, diversity and inclusion in society. It is unacceptable that such a public figure would use his platform to promote harm instead of unity.
‘It is important to note that these types of discriminatory attitudes contribute significantly to social problems such as hate crimes, which have increased in recent years (source: FBI Hate Crime Statistics). Additionally, they can lead to an increase in mental health problems among target communities (source: American Psychological Association).
‘We hold our sports figures accountable, who should be role models who promote respect for all people, regardless of race, gender identity or sexual orientation. We call on Kansas City Chiefs management to fire Harrison Butker immediately for his inappropriate conduct.
“Please sign this petition if you stand with us against discrimination and believe in fostering an inclusive society where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.”
DailyMail.com has contacted the Kansas City Chiefs for comment on the petition and Butker’s comments.
Butker, a devout and outspoken Catholic, is married with two children. In the photo with his family
The 2017 seventh-round pick out of Georgia Tech has become one of the NFL’s best kickers, breaking the Chiefs’ franchise record with a 62-yard field goal in 2022. Butker helped them win their first Super Bowl in 50 years in 2020, added a second Lombardi Trophy in 2023, and kicked the field goal that forced overtime in the Super Bowl victory over San Francisco in February.
However, it has been an embarrassing offseason for the Chiefs.
Last month, voters in Jackson County, Missouri, resoundingly rejected a ballot initiative that would have helped pay for an $800 million renovation of Arrowhead Stadium, home of the Chiefs. Many voters criticized the plan presented by the Chiefs for being aimed primarily at wealthy and important people.
The same week, wide receiver Rashee Rice turned himself in to Dallas police on multiple charges, including aggravated assault, after being involved in a high-speed crash that left four people injured. Rice has admitted to being the driver of one of the sports cars that was going more than 160 kph (100 mph).
Last week, law enforcement officials said The Dallas Morning News that Rice was also suspected of assaulting a person at a downtown nightclub. Dallas police did not name Rice as a suspect in detailing a report to The Associated Press.
Chiefs coach Andy Reid said he had spoken with the receiver and the team was letting the legal process play out.