Breaking News:Massive Petition Seeks to Fire Harrison Butker Over Graduation Speech, but Some Hail Him as A Hero

Kansas City Chiefs star kicker Harrison Butker’s now-viral Benedictine College commencement speech has ignited both furor and excitement, with detractors and supporters igniting social media.

A petition demanding the Super Bowl champ’s dismissal from the team is inching toward its goal of achieving 200,000 signatures, while supporters are fervently bolstering his message and hailing him a hero of sorts.

First, let’s start with the shocking effort to see Butker booted from the Chiefs.

“The harmful remarks made by Harrison Butker … were unacceptable,” the Change.org petition in question reads. “His comments were sexist, homophobic, anti-trans, anti-abortion and racist.”

The text continues, “These dehumanizing remarks against LGBTQ+ individuals, attacks on abortion rights, and racial discrimination perpetuate division and undermine human rights.”

As CBN News previously reported, Butker held little back Saturday when he delivered the commencement address at the center of so much consternation.

Butker accused President Joe Biden of vocally supporting the “murder” of the unborn, and also lamented “dangerous gender ideologies,” among other issues. He also highlighted the disparity he sees between Biden’s stated Catholic faith and his pro-choice proclivities.

“Bad policies and poor leadership have negatively impacted major life issues,” Butker said. “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.”

And he wasn’t done there, making it clear he believes the commander-in-chief’s comments and actions violate the Catholic faith.

“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,” Butker said, referring to a recent rally where Biden went viral for doing that very thing.

He continued, “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.”

Other comments also seemed to rile his biggest critics, particularly statements directed toward female graduates.

“For the ladies present today: congratulations on an amazing accomplishment,” Butker said. “You should
be proud of all that you have achieved to this point in your young lives.”

He continued:

“I want to speak directly to you, briefly, because I think it is you, the women, who have had the most diabolical lies told to you. 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. I can tell you that my beautiful wife Isabelle would be the first to say that her life truly started when she began living her vocation as a wife and as a mother. I’m on this stage today and able to be the man I am because I have a wife who leans into her vocation.”

These were just some of the statements, among others, that ignited both controversy and support. Among the mixed responsem the Change.org petition seems to be getting the most attention.

Text on the petition charges comments like Butker’s can contribute to hate crimes and increased mental health problems among “targeted communities.” Those behind the petition demand “accountability” from role models like Butker.

“We call upon the Kansas City Chiefs management to dismiss Harrison Butker immediately for his inappropriate conduct,” the text reads, encouraging people to stand up against “discrimination.”

A https://t.co/ncqnFwPAMH petition is calling on the Chiefs to dismiss kicker Harrison Butker for making several dehumanizing remarks during his commencement speech at Benedictine College on May 11th. Here’s what the three-time Super Bowl champion said about women, Pride Month,… pic.twitter.com/8iYltWDVLB

— Change.org (@Change) May 14, 2024

Chaos over the commencement speech reached such a fever pitch this week that the National Football League (NFL) issued a statement separating itself from Butker’s sentiments.

“Harrison Butker gave a speech in his personal capacity,” Jonathan Beane, NFL senior vice president and chief diversity and inclusion officer, said in a statement. “His views are not those of the NFL as an organization.”

Beane continued, “The NFL is steadfast in our commitment to inclusion, which only makes our league stronger.”

But while Butker’s comments have sparked a massive petition and frustrations among some, others, like legendary coach Lou Holtz, are defending — and even praising him.