The fallout from Harrison Butker’s commencement speech for Benedictine College continues.
In his speech, the Kansas City Chiefs player referred to Pride Month as representing “deadly sins,” and he also made misogynistic remarks about gender roles in society. “Some of you may go on to lead successful careers in the world, but I would venture to guess that the majority of you are most excited about your marriage and the children you will bring into this world,” he said directly to the women in the audience.
People were, very understandably, not happy about Harrison’s comments. Celebrities like Eddie Vedder spoke out about what he said, and the Benedictine Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica — who are sponsors of the college — also denounced Harrison’s speech.
Even Harrison’s teammate Travis Kelce weighed in on his New Heights podcast. “When it comes down to his views, and what he said at [Benedictine’s] commencement speech, those are his,” he said, after echoing fellow Chiefs Patrick Mahomes’ prior statement that Harrison is a “great person.”
So, Serena Williams hosted this year’s ESPY Awards, which went down on Thursday night. At one point, she appeared onstage with her sister Venus and Abbott Elementary star Quinta Brunson.
During a bit about tips on enjoying sports, Venus said, “So go ahead and enjoy women’s sports like you would any other sport. Because they are sports.”
To which Serena replied, “Except you, Harrison Butker. We don’t need you.”
“At all,” Quinta added. “Like, ever.”
Now, Harrison has issued a response via NBC Sports, and — surprise, surprise — it sounds like another case of someone dishing it out but not being able to take it.
“I thought Mrs. Williams was a great host and applaud her for using her platform to express her beliefs on a variety of topics,” he said. “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.”
Lol, whatever you say! Anyway, hopefully this is the last we’ll have to hear from this guy.