The polarizing commencement remarks from Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker have divided the sports world.
Some have called for the 28-year-old’s job, while others, including teammates Patrick Mahomes and Chris Jones, have backed Butker’s right to freely express his beliefs.
And while the NFL has been outspoken that Butker’s views don’t reflect those of the league, Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel pointed out the big-picture takeaway that all NFL players should be aware of in the aftermath of Butker’s comments.
“I think you do have to open the eyes of the players to their platform if they’re new to the situation,” McDaniel said, via Pro Football Network’s Adam Beasley. “I think you have to understand that what you say publicly can be fragmented and last with you forever. I really emphasize that whatever you’re going to say, you better believe it. You just try to educate people to understand the consequences of whatever they do. They have the freedom of choice, and if they want to go that direction, go right ahead.”
Butker drew some backlash for his speech during the Benedictine College commencement speech on May 11 in which he stating that women have had “diabolical lies” told to them about the gratification of getting a degree over being a wife and mother.
Commissioner Roger Goodell declined to comment further on the matter beyond what the league said in its initial statement during the league meetings in Nashville this week, stating the NFL has more than 3,000 players and executives who have “a diversity of opinions and thoughts” that “make us as a society better.”
