Just when you thought the media storm surrounding Harrison Butker had died down, the ESPYs have sparked another media storm.
The Kansas City Chiefs kicker caused controversy when he gave a commencement speech at Benedictine University in which he encouraged female graduates to embrace becoming “housewives,” a remark that drew backlash as it came across as a slogan that women should pursue professional opportunities and not be afraid to do so.
At the 2024 ESPY Awards on Thursday night, tennis legends Venus Williams and Serena Williams, along with actress Quinta Brunson, took to the stage to celebrate the women’s sport’s surging popularity.
“Women’s sports can be enjoyed just like any other sport because it’s a sport,” Venus joked onstage.
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Tennis superstar Serena Williams criticized Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker while taking the stage to celebrate women’s sports at the ESPY Awards on Thursday. (Getty Images)
However, while Venus was speaking, her sister could not help but laugh.
“We don’t need you anywhere else, except you, Harrison Butker,” Serena said with Kicker present.
Branson added: “Not at all. Ever.”
The jab got a positive reaction from the crowd.
He also criticized the LGBTQ community and President Biden’s stance on abortion, adding that “abortion, IVF, surrogacy, euthanasia, and growing support for corrupt cultural values and media all result from widespread disorder.”
Butker did not apologize for his comments after receiving a lot of backlash during his Benedictine University commencement speech. (Robin Alam/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
When he appeared in public again a few weeks later, Butker made no apology for his comments, saying, “It’s not people I’m trying to please, it’s Jesus Christ.”
“If it wasn’t clear before that my traditional Catholic values are disliked by many, it’s clear now,” he added, saying his outspoken faith had made him a “more polarizing” figure.
Kansas City Chiefs’ Harrison Butker (number 7) warms up before Super Bowl 55 against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on February 11. (Perry Knotts/Getty Images)
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Buttker jersey sales It has skyrocketed since then While many in the media are divided on the speech, the NFL Shop isn’t saying the same.
He played in his third Super Bowl with Kansas City this year, helping the Chiefs win back-to-back championships in February.
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