A Catholic political advocacy group called CatholicVote recently decried the NFL for its treatment of Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker after Butker gave a controversial speech during a college commencement ceremony.
CatholicVote wrote a letter accusing the NFL of not being committed to true inclusion and also slammed what they see as a growing wave of anti-Catholic hatred contained in the backlash to the speech by others.
Commencement Speech
Harrison Butker, a kicker for the Kansas City Chiefs, recently created controversy after his speech during a commencement ceremony at Benedictine College went viral.
Some online and in the media found Butker’s comments in defense of Catholic values on a wide range of controversial topics sexist, harmful, and distasteful.
Causing Controversy
In his speech, Butker addressed the women directly in the crowd while contrasting the journey of a career and having a family.
“For the ladies present today…How many of you are sitting here now about to cross this stage and are thinking about all the promotions and titles you are going to get in your career? Some of you may go on to lead successful careers in the world, but I would venture to guess that the majority of you are most excited about your marriage and the children you will bring into this world,” Butker said.
Bringing Up Abortion
Another section of Butker’s speech that received pushback was his calling out a range of social issues, including abortion.
“Things like abortion, IVF, surrogacy, euthanasia, as well as a growing support for degenerate cultural values in media, all stem from the pervasiveness of disorder,” said Butker.
Bashing Biden
Butker also took the opportunity to call out President Biden, who supports abortion despite being a Catholic. The official Catholic Church’s stance is to be against abortion.
“Our own nation is led by a man who publicly and proudly proclaims his Catholic faith, but at the same time is delusional enough to make the Sign of the Cross during a pro- abortion rally. He has been so vocal in his support for the murder of innocent babies that I’m sure to many people it appears that you can be both Catholic and pro-choice,” Butker said.
American Catholics on Abortion
Despite official church doctrine being against direct abortion, considering it an intentional killing, a majority of US Catholics actually support abortion to some degree.
A Pew report from April found that 6 in 10 American Catholics are supportive of abortion rights, thinking that abortion should be legal in “all or most” cases.
Catholic Alone Doesn’t Cut It
In his speech, Butker covered a range of topics he was critical of, including the United States’ response to the pandemic.
“From the man behind the COVID lockdowns to the people pushing dangerous gender ideologies onto the youth of America, they all have a glaring thing in common. They are Catholic. This is an important reminder that being Catholic alone doesn’t cut it,” said Butker.
Deadly Sin
Butker also made comments outlining his issue with a celebrated holiday in the month of June getting its name after pride, one of the deadly sins in Catholicism.
“I am certain the reporters at the AP could not have imagined that their attempt to rebuke and embarrass places and people like those here at Benedictine wouldn’t be met with anger, but instead met with excitement and pride. Not the deadly sin sort of pride that has an entire month dedicated to it, but the true God-centered pride that is cooperating with the Holy Ghost to glorify him,” said Butker.
Online Backlash
Butker’s comments became fodder for people online, the media, and on popular talk shows like The View. Hosts on The View slammed Butker’s religious views as “Cult-like and extremist.”
Critics took to social media to leave a deluge of comments deriding Butker on the Kansas City Chief’s social media. “I don’t have a husband, so I guess I can’t buy tickets since my life hasn’t started,” said one comment that got over 4,000 likes on the Chief’s Instagram.
NFL Statement
As angry fans expressed their dissatisfaction with Butker and the Chiefs online, the NFL put out a statement distancing itself from Butker’s comments.
“Harrison Butker gave a speech in his personal capacity. His views are not those of the NFL as an organization,” said Senior Vice President Jonathan Beane, the league’s chief diversity and inclusion officer. “The NFL is steadfast in our commitment to inclusion, which only makes our league stronger.”
Pushback From Catholics
In response to the NFL talking about inclusion while distancing itself from Butker, the religious political advocacy organization CatholicVote wrote a letter criticizing them.
“These ideals are not controversial for millions of Americans and indeed remain sacred for millions of religious believers, including millions of your fans and customers. Nonetheless, a recent statement by the league distancing itself from Butker for his remarks calls into question your commitment to genuine diversity and inclusion,” said President of CatholicVote, Brian Burch, in the letter addressed to NFL leaders.
Worst Kind of Catholic Bigotry
CatholicVote also took time in their letter to rally against a pervasive anti-catholic attitude they saw in the criticism online.
“The growing hatred, intimidation, and now threats of violence against him for publicly defending our deeply-held beliefs represent the worst kind of anti-Catholic bigotry, and cannot be tolerated,” said Burch.
Historical Context of Religious Freedom in Sports
Throughout history, athletes have faced backlash for expressing their religious beliefs. For instance, NBA player Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf was suspended for refusing to stand during the national anthem due to his Muslim faith.
Similarly, Tim Tebow, known for his public displays of Christianity, often sparked debate. These examples highlight the recurring nature of religious expression controversies in sports, providing a broader context to Harrison Butker’s situation.
Impact of Religious Expression on Athletes’ Careers
Public expression of religious beliefs can significantly impact athletes’ careers. While Tim Tebow’s outspoken Christianity garnered both support and criticism, it also limited his endorsements and media opportunities.
On the other hand, athletes like Muhammad Ali used their faith as a powerful tool for social change. Butker’s situation reflects the delicate balance athletes must maintain between personal beliefs and public perception.
Looking at Inclusion Policies
Comparing the NFL’s stance on inclusion with other major sports leagues reveals interesting insights. The NBA, for instance, has been praised for its support of players’ social and political activism.
Meanwhile, MLB has faced criticism for its handling of similar issues. The NFL’s distancing from Butker’s comments raises questions about its commitment to genuine diversity and inclusion, highlighting potential inconsistencies, although it does fall in line with Colin Kaepernick’s activism stance.
Role of Advocacy Groups in Shaping Public Discourse
Advocacy groups like CatholicVote play a role in shaping public discourse within professional sports. Their strategic use of open letters and media campaigns can significantly influence public opinion and policy.
CatholicVote’s stance against perceived anti-Catholic bigotry, as seen in their response to Butker’s backlash, demonstrates their impact on the conversation around religious expression in sports.
Media’s Role in Amplifying Controversies
Media coverage often amplifies controversies involving athletes’ personal beliefs. Sensationalized reporting can intensify public reactions, as seen with Harrison Butker’s commencement speech.
This highlights the media’s power in shaping narratives and the potential consequences of such coverage on athletes’ reputations and careers.
Public Perception and Social Media Influence
Social media played a major role in amplifying the backlash against Butker. Platforms like X and Instagram allowed both supporters and critics to voice their opinions, often in heated exchanges.
Analyzing the dynamics of social media in this controversy reveals how these platforms shape and escalate public debates over religious speech.
Psychological Impact on Athletes
Public backlash can have a profound psychological impact on athletes. The intense scrutiny following Harrison Butker’s speech likely affected his mental well-being. Athletes often face anxiety and stress when their beliefs are publicly criticized.
Support systems, including counseling and mental health resources, are essential for helping athletes cope with such pressures and maintain their mental health.
Balancing Free Speech and Organizational Values in the NFL
The NFL’s response to Butker’s speech raises important questions about balancing free speech with organizational values.
The league’s statement distancing itself from Butker’s views highlights the challenges organizations face in navigating employees’ personal expressions while maintaining their brand image and values. This balance is crucial for fostering a respectful and inclusive environment.
Educational Institutions and Free Speech
Educational institutions like Benedictine College play a significant role in promoting free speech during events like commencement ceremonies. However, they must balance maintaining an inclusive environment with allowing diverse viewpoints.
Butker’s controversial speech shows the challenges schools face in fostering open dialogue while respecting the diverse beliefs of their communities.
Future Implications for Public Figures
The controversy surrounding Harrison Butker’s speech could have future implications for public figures, especially athletes, who wish to express their personal beliefs. Public figures may become more cautious in their statements to avoid backlash.
Alternatively, they might develop strategies to effectively communicate their beliefs while managing potential criticism. This incident could lead to a reevaluation of how personal expression is handled in the public sphere.
Ethics of Sponsorship and Endorsement
Harrison Butker’s speech also brings up questions about the ethics of sponsorship and endorsement deals. As athletes and public figures become more outspoken about their beliefs, sponsors may face backlash for supporting individuals who hold controversial views.
This raises important considerations for companies when entering into endorsement deals and the potential impact on their brand image.
Diversity Training in Sports Organizations
The backlash against Harrison Butker’s speech points to a potential need for diversity training in sports organizations. This type of training can help athletes, coaches, and staff better understand and respect diverse perspectives.
By fostering an environment that promotes inclusivity and open dialogue, sports organizations can prevent similar outlying incidents from occurring in the future.
