Harrison Butker Responds to Serena Williams Calling Him Out at ESPYs: “Sports Are Supposed to Be the Great Unifier”

As a fan and someone who values equality and respect for all athletes, I was disappointed by Harrison Butker‘s controversial remarks at Benedictine College’s commencement speech earlier this year. His comments were outdated and dismissive of women’s capabilities and contributions in sports and beyond.

Serena Williams, Venus Williams, and Quinta Brunson criticized Harrison Butker’s ESPY Awards speech from Benedictine College in early 2024 – and in response, Butker, the kicker for the Kansas City Chiefs, has spoken up.

As a dedicated gamer and sports enthusiast, I’d put it this way: At the sports awards ceremony, Venus Williams and her fellow presenters passionately urged the audience to appreciate women’s sports just as much as they do men’s sports. They emphasized that women’s sports are not secondary but equal in value, stating, “They are sports.”

“Harrison Butker is the only exception, Serena Williams stated, and Brunson agreed, ‘We truly don’t require his presence at any point.’ “

In response to the comments made by others, Butker issued a statement through NBC Sports, expressing his appreciation for Mrs. Williams’ role as an excellent host and commending her for utilizing her platform to voice her diverse viewpoints.

At an occasion honoring a varied assembly of accomplished athletes, she chose to exclude from her support those with whom she held opposing views, rather than embracing the unity sports are known for.

A few months have passed since Butker delivered a contentious commencement speech at Benedictine College, in which he advocated for women’s primary focus being on childbearing.

In his 20-minute speech, he expressed that while some individuals may achieve professional success, a large portion of you are likely more enthused about your marriages and children. However, it’s worth noting that during this address, he criticized various practices including abortion, euthanasia, IVF, surrogacy, and the LGBTQ community.

This man not only condemned the “wicked deceit targeted at women,” but also advocated for upholding conventional gender roles in relationships and life. He shared his belief that his wife, Isabelle, would testify to this, stating that her true fulfillment began when she dedicated herself as a wife and mother. Furthermore, he highlighted her significant role as a homemaker, deeming it among the most esteemed titles.

The Williams sisters and Brunson appeared to respond to Pat McAfee’s remarks made last month on his ESPN program, where he used the derogatory term “white bitch” while discussing Caitlin Clark’s abilities and touching upon the topic of race.

As a passionate gamer and avid fan of sports, I’ve come across various terms used to describe female athletes. Here’s a list of some acceptable ones: being called an “athlete,” recognized as a “champion,” or even referred to as a “dumbass” on occasion – just like all athletes can be at times.

“Just don’t use the b-word,” they said to cheers in the audience.

At the awards ceremony, Prince Harry received the Pat Tillman Award. This honor is bestowed upon an individual with a significant link to sports who has selflessly given back to their community, mirroring the altruistic legacy of the late NFL player and U.S. Army Ranger, Pat Tillman. (ESPN’s description)

During his acceptance speech for the Pat Tillman Award, the prince spoke not as an individual recipient but as a representative of the Invictus Games Foundation and the multitude of veterans and service members from more than twenty countries who have contributed to its creation. The recognition, he emphasized, was not solely his to claim, but rather a testament to their collective efforts and resilience.

2024-07-13 19:54

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