Petition for the Kansas City Chiefs to dismiss Harrison Butker gathers 30k signatures
a 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 graduation speech at a private school in Kansas.
Butker, an outspoken Catholic and married father of two, last weekend congratulated the women graduating from Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas, and said most of them were probably more excited about getting married, having children and staying home. raising them, instead of building their 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 finds himself in hot water for his comments as more than 30,000 signatures have been collected to end his seven-season association with the Chiefs.
More than 25,000 people signed it on Wednesday alone. The target goal of the petition is 50,000 signatures.
Harrison Butker is facing strong backlash for his comments on women, abortion and Pride Month
A viral petition about change. org has collected 39,293 signatures to kick Butker from the Chiefs
A viral petition about change. org has collected 39,293 signatures to kick Butker from the Chiefs
Butker – a 2017 seventh-round pick – has become one of the NFL’s best kickers and is a three-time Super Bowl champion
The description reads: “The damaging comments made by Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker during his commencement address 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 divisions and undermine human rights.
“These comments reinforce harmful stereotypes that threaten social progress. They create a toxic environment that hinders our collective efforts for equality, diversity and inclusion in society. It is unacceptable that such a public figure uses his platform to promote harm instead of unity.
‘It is important to note that these types of discriminatory attitudes contribute significantly to social issues such as hate crimes that have been on the rise in recent years (source: FBI Hate Crime Statistics). Moreover, they can lead to more mental health problems among the target groups (source: American Psychological Association).
“We demand responsibility from our sports figures, who must be role models who promote respect for all people, regardless of their race, gender identity or sexual orientation. We call on the management of the Kansas City Chiefs to immediately fire Harrison Butker for his inappropriate conduct.
‘Please sign this petition if you support us against discrimination and believe in promoting 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, outspoken Catholic – is married and has two children. Pictured with his family
The 2017 seventh-round pick out of Georgia Tech has emerged as 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 he kicked the field goal that forced overtime in a Super Bowl win over San Francisco in February.
However, it was an embarrassing offseason for the Chiefs.
Last month, voters in Jackson County, Missouri, decisively rejected a ballot initiative that would have helped finance an $800 million renovation of Arrowhead Stadium, home of the Chiefs. Many voters criticized the Chiefs’ plan because it primarily targeted VIPs and the wealthy.
That same week, wide receiver Rashee Rice turned himself in to Dallas police on multiple charges, including aggravated assault, after he was involved in a high-speed crash that injured four people. Rice has admitted that he was the driver of one of the sports cars that was traveling in excess of 100 miles per hour.
Law enforcement officials said last week 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 a report to The Associated Press.
Chiefs coach Andy Reid said he spoke with the trustee and the team let the legal process play out.