NFL commissioner Roger Goodell defended Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker’s right to an opinion amid backlash of his controversial commencement speech at Benedictine College on May 11. Via NFL Insider Tom Pelissero: “We have over 3,000 players. We have executives around the league.
They have diversity of opinions and thoughts just like America does. That’s something we treasure,” Goodell said in a press conference at Wednesday’s Spring Meeting in Nashville. Last week, the NFL distanced itself from Butker’s speech, releasing a statement that “his views are not those of the NFL as an organization.
” “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. The NFL is steadfast in our commitment to inclusion, which only makes our league stronger.
” In his speech, Butker told the women graduates that they “have had the most diabolical lies” told to them. “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,” he said. “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.
” And his speech wasn’t limited to women being homemakers. He al.
