There’s an online petition calling for the Kansas City Chiefs to let go of their kicker, Harrison Butker, because of what he said. Many people are backing it.
Butker got a lot of backlash after his speech at Benedictine College in Kansas. He spoke out against Pride Month, had negative things to say about transgender people, and encouraged women to stick to traditional homemaking roles.
The NFL has since issued a statement distancing itself from Butker’s views. Jonathan Beane, the NFL’s senior vice president and chief diversity and inclusion officer, stated:
“In a statement obtained by TODAY.com, the NFL’s senior vice president and chief diversity and inclusion officer, Jonathan Beane, said the kicker ‘gave a speech in his personal capacity.’”
“His views are not those of the NFL as an organization. The NFL is steadfast in our commitment to inclusion, which only makes our league stronger.”
Calls for the Kansas City Chiefs to Cut Harrison Butker
Harrison Butker has not faced any discipline from the Chiefs for his speech, and it appears unlikely that he will. However, a Change.org petition demanding his release had reached over 178,000 signatures at the time of writing.
“We demand accountability from our sports figures who should be role models promoting respect for all people regardless of their race, gender identity, or sexual orientation,” the petition reads. “We call upon the Kansas City Chiefs management to dismiss Harrison Butker immediately for his inappropriate conduct.”
“Please sign this petition if you stand with us against discrimination and believe in fostering an inclusive society where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.”
The Chiefs have not yet addressed Butker’s viral speech. Meanwhile, a rival petition supporting Butker has also emerged online, garnering just over 10,000 signatures at the time of writing.
