Harrison Butker won’t let politics stop him from visiting the White House.
The kicker is expected to be a part of the Chiefs’ visit to Washington, D.C. on Friday, weeks after ripping President Joe Biden during a controversial commencement speech at Benedictine College, The Athletic reported.
Butker slammed Biden for what he views as a hypocritical stance on abortion.
“While COVID might have played a large role throughout your formative years, it is not unique,” Butker told the graduating class at the small Catholic school in Atchinson, Kansas.
“Bad policies and poor leadership have negatively impacted major life issues. Things like abortion, IVF, surrogacy, euthanasia, as well as the growing support for degenerate cultural values in media all stem from the pervasiveness of disorder. 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.”
The May 11 speech has been generating headlines for weeks as Butker also championed the notion that women should strive to be homemakers and claimed they were being fed “diabolical lies.”
“How many of you are sitting here now, about to to cross this stage, and are thinking about all the promotions and titles you are going to get in your career?” Butker said.” 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 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 a mother. I am on this stage and able to be the man I am because I have a wife who leans into her vocation … It cannot be overstated that all of my success is made possible because of a girl I met in class back in middle school, convert to the faith, become my wife and embrace one of the most-important tiles of all: homemaker.”
He has received criticism from many connected to the league — from the wife of a former teammate to an ex-Chiefs cheerleader and prominent women in the sports media world.
His two most famous teammates, Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, both defended Butker as a person, while distancing themselves from his views.
The Chiefs earned the invite to the White House with their second consecutive Super Bowl win, beating the 49ers 25-22 in overtime in February’s championship contest.
Butker, 28, has been one of the most consistent kickers in the game, making 33-of-35 field goals and all 38 of his extra points last season.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre declined to comment on whether or not Butker would attend when asked earlier this month.
“Honestly, what I can say is we invite the entire team and we do that always – I don’t have anything beyond that,” Jean-Pierre told reporters. “We invite the team, it’s an invitation that goes to the team, and so it’s up to the team who comes and who doesn’t.”
The Chiefs’ visit with Biden is roughly scheduled for 4:15 p.m. EST.