Harrison Butker snaps back at Serena Williams after tennis star’s BRUTAL dig at him at ESPYs
Harrison Butker responded immediately to Serena Williams’ criticism from the ESPY. The Chiefs kicker said the tennis star gave her “the opportunity to shut down those who disagree with her.”
Butker, who has been under fire since delivering a commencement speech at a private liberal arts college in Kansas earlier this summer, released a statement on Friday, just 24 hours after Williams said Thursday night at the ESPYs in LA: “You can enjoy women’s sports just like you can enjoy any other sport because they are sports.”
At one point, as her sister Venus urged the crowd and fans to support women’s sports, Serena also said, “Except for you, Harrison Butker. We don’t need you.” Comedian Quinta Brunson, who was also on stage at the time, added, “Not at all, never.”
Butker, who faced criticism for his Benedictine College graduation speech in May in which he encouraged female graduates to embrace life as a “homemaker,” initially complimented Williams in his statement.
“I thought Ms. Williams was a great host and I commend her for using her platform to express her beliefs on a variety of issues,” the 28-year-old Chiefs kicker told NBC Sports. “Sports is supposed to be the great unifier.
KILLING HER GENTLY: Harrison Butker initially described Serena Williams as a ‘wonderful hostess’ at the ESPYs in his statement responding to the tennis star’s dig at him
The Chiefs kicker has come under fire since encouraging women to become “housewives” in May
“And at an event that was meant to honor a diverse group of men and women who have accomplished great things, she used it as an opportunity to discourage those she disagreed with from supporting their fellow athletes,” he added.
After his May 25 speech, Butker, a three-time Super Bowl winner, said he had no regrets about expressing his beliefs, saying he received both support and “a shocking amount of hate” from others.
In addition to his comments about women, Butker argued that some Catholic leaders are “pushing dangerous gender ideologies on America’s youth”; he referred to a “deadly sin—a month-long brand of pride,” in an oblique reference to Pride Month; and he lashed out at U.S. President Joe Biden’s policies, including his condemnation of the Supreme Court’s overturning of the 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling.
“Over the past few days, my beliefs, or what people think I believe, have been the subject of countless discussions around the world,” said Butker, a devout Catholic.
Butker, a three-time Super Bowl champion, has not apologized for his comments
‘Initially, many people expressed a shocking level of hatred. But as the days went by, even those who disagreed with my views shared their support for my freedom of religion.’
Butker said he understands criticism for his performance on the field, and he values his religion more than football.
“It’s a decision I made consciously and I have absolutely no regrets,” he said.
The NFL has distanced itself from Butker’s comments, saying the league’s remarks and “opinions do not represent those of the NFL as an organization.”
Butker (C) attended the Chiefs’ visit to the White House, just days after his May 21 speech
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes said his teammate is entitled to his beliefs, even if he doesn’t always agree with him.
Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce said on his podcast ‘New Heights’ about Butker that he values Butker as a teammate.
“When it comes to his positions and what he said in his speech, those are his own positions,” Kelce said.
“I can’t say I agree with most of it, or pretty much all of it, except that he loves his family and his children. And I don’t think I should judge him on his views, particularly his religious views, on how to go about life, that’s just not who I am.”