Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker caused a stir after sharing controversial opinions about women while giving a commencement speech in May. Apparently, 23-time Grand Slam winner Serena Williams hasn't forgotten.
Hosting the annual ESPY Awards on Thursday, Williams called out Butker while discussing the explosion of women's sports. She was joined on stage by sister Venus Williams and actress Quinta Brunson, who also chimed in.
"So, go ahead and enjoy women's sports like you would any other sports, because they are sports." - Venus Williams
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) July 12, 2024
"Except you, Harrison Butker. We don't need you." - Serena Williams
"At all. Like, ever." - Quinta Brunson #ESPYS pic.twitter.com/RhvxfiHUWN
While addressing the 2024 graduating class at Benedictine College, a Catholic school, Butker expressed views many found offensive. In addition to describing Pride Month as a "deadly sin," he also ranted about women's roles, pushing the narrative that getting married and having children is what will bring them true happiness, not success beyond the household.
Most of the outside world heavily criticized Butker's statements while the NFL lightly pushed back, stating that the league did not share the same views.
Likewise, Butker's high-profile teammates came to his aid. Both quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce acknowledged that they didn't necessarily agree with what was said, but neither took it further than that, hiding behind the cop-out that Butker was a "good person."
Meanwhile, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said he didn't discuss the issue with Butker, believing it wasn't necessary. Additionally, he spoke about the need for respect regarding opinions while talking about his kicker, who had outwardly denounced others' ways of life.
Regardless of the response back in May, Butker has gotten off lightly. So, it's nice to see some, like Williams, aren't planning to let his comments be brushed under the rug.
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