Tennis icon Serena Williams wanted Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker to know his opinions don’t matter.
Williams, the host of last night’s ESPYS, roasted Butker as she was joined on stage by her sister, Venus, and Abbott Elementary actor Quinta Brunson.
“So, go ahead and enjoy women’s sports like you would any other sports, because they are sports,” Venus Williams said.
“Except you, Harrison Butker. We don’t need you,” Serena Williams said.
“At all. Like, ever,” Brunson added.
Butker, who was in attendance, was scolded for his controversial commencement speech at Benedictine College on May 11. When addressing the graduates, he said women are being told “the most diabolical lies” about their role in society.
“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,” Butker 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.”
Since giving that speech, Butker has been criticized for being sexist and also homophobic. He expressed his disapproval of homosexuality, calling it “a deadly sin.”
The NFL released a statement in May that said their views don’t align with Butker’s. A few of Butker’s teammates and NFL commissioner Roger Goodell have defended him.
MORE SPORTS COVERAGE
Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting us with a subscription. Cayden Steele may be reached at [email protected]