After his controversial speech at a college graduation ceremony, Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker is tackled at an awards ceremony – and reacts

In mid-May, Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker made a lot of headlines with a controversial speech at a college graduation ceremony. The athlete made statements that were criticized by many as homophobic and sexist.

He called Pride Month a “mortal sin” and said, among other things, that women should give up their careers in favor of raising children.

Now Butker took part in the ESPYs – and was directly addressed in a segment with tennis stars Serena and Venus Williams, as well as actress and screenwriter Quinta Brunson.

“Go ahead and enjoy women’s sports like any other sport, because it is a sport,” Venus Williams explained. Sister and record Grand Slam winner Serena Williams added: “Except for you, Harrison Butker. We don’t need you.”

“Not at all. Never,” Brunson emphasized the statement.

It is not known how Butker reacted at first, as the cameras did not pan in the direction of the kicker. However, he made a statement after the award ceremony

Butker reacts to comments

“I thought Ms. Williams was a great presenter and I applaud her for using her platform to voice her beliefs on a variety of issues,” Butker said on “NBCNews.com”.

She continued, “Sports are supposed to be the great unifier, and at an event dedicated to celebrating a diverse group of men and women who have accomplished great things, she took the opportunity to exclude those she disagrees with from supporting other athletes.”

Incidentally, the jibe at Butker went down well with the audience, who applauded it.