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Chiefs Kicker Faces Backlash Over Controversial Speech, Petition Surges Past 80,000 Signatures

May 16, 2024, 03:16 PM

Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker has sparked significant controversy following his 20-minute commencement speech at Benedictine College. During the speech, Butker urged female graduates to embrace the role of homemaker, describing it as one of the most important titles they could hold. His remarks have been widely criticized as sexist, homophobic, and anti-trans, with backlash coming from various quarters including the NFL, which has distanced itself from his comments. The Kansas City Mayor issued an apology for a now-deleted tweet doxxing Butker. Butker's speech also included criticisms of gender roles, abortion, President Biden, and Pride month, further fueling the controversy. A petition to cut Butker from the Chiefs has surged past 80,000 signatures. Despite the backlash, some have defended Butker, highlighting his personal experiences and intentions behind the speech.