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Mahomes, Reid comment on kicker's controversial commencement speech

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Patrick Mahomes, Andy Reid comment on kicker's controversial commencement speech

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 5/22/24

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes both commented on Wednesday on kicker Harrison Butker's recent controversial remarks during his commencement speech at Benedictine College.

Andy Reid on Harrison Butker's comments from his commencement speech: "I didn't think I need to. We're a microcosm of life. ... We all respect each other's opinions. We all have a voice."
— Nate Taylor (@ByNateTaylor) May 22, 2024

Patrick Mahomes on Harrison Butker's commencement speech: "I've known him for seven years. I judge him by the character he shows every day and that's a good person. ... We're not always going to agree. He said certain things I don't agree with."
— Nate Taylor (@ByNateTaylor) May 22, 2024

Patrick Mahomes has made it pretty clear during this news conference that he considers Harrison Butker a close friend. He declined to share exactly what he disagreed most with Butker's comments from his speech.

"I've seen the clips. ... That's his views," Mahomes said.
— Nate Taylor (@ByNateTaylor) May 22, 2024

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell also discussed the subject on Wednesday during the league meetings in Nashville.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell on Harrison Butker’s commencement address: “We have over 3,000 players. We have executives around the league. They have diversity of opinions and thoughts just like America does. That’s something we treasure.” Otherwise defers to league statement.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) May 22, 2024

Goodell, as well as Butker's coach and teammate are clearly responding to the topic delicately, with Mahomes being the only one going as far to say that he disagreed with "certain things" that the Georgia Tech product said.

The 28-year-old Butker spoke for more than 20 minutes at the Catholic school, telling the graduating students that he "wanted them to prevent political leaders from interfering with social issues that impact their relationship with the church." Butker also referred to Pride Month as an example of the “deadly sins" during his address.

"Not the deadly sins sort of Pride that has an entire month dedicated to it," he said, "but the true God-centered pride that is cooperating with the holy ghost to glorify him."

The three-time Super Bowl champion also discussed "gender ideologies" according to Tess DeMeyer of The Athletic, calling a woman's most important title "homemaker."

The NFL responded to the controversy last week, as senior vice president and chief diversity and inclusion officer Jonathan Beane noted in a statement that Butker gave the speech in his "personal capacity" and the league doesn't share the same views.

In response to the controversy surrounding Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker’s commencement speech at Benedictine College, the NFL distanced itself from the ideas expressed.

The league stated it doesn’t share the beliefs Butker voiced.

More ⤵️https://t.co/hsljWjxX14 pic.twitter.com/eIvQubGrH2
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) May 16, 2024

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