ESPN Host Defends Harrison Butker, Says Calls to Remove Him Are “Un-American”

Kansas City Chiefs Kicker Harrison Butker sent shockwaves through the world of sports and politics after his speech at Benedictine College’s commencement ceremony.  In his speech, Butker drew on his Catholic faith and discussed a number of issues plaguing Western culture, such as gender roles, abortion, and more.

Predictably, Butker’s comments have triggered backlash from the left, which has criticized his stances. A petition was launched calling for the Chiefs to dismiss the kicker from the team. However, Butker has received an outpouring of praise and defense over his brave comments from a variety of prominent figures, such as ESPN NFL broadcaster Sam Ponder.

Ponder blasted the petition as being “un-American,” stating that Butker has the right to express his beliefs.  “I think the petition that he should be fired from the Chiefs is totally un-American,” she commented on the controversy via an Instagram story. “Is a Catholic espousing traditionally Catholic views to a Catholic audience really that shocking?! Why can’t we just respectfully disagree?!”

The broadcaster noted that Butker made several points that aligned with her own values, such as women finding greater purpose in motherhood.  Ponder explained that, despite working so hard to get to where she is in her career, raising children was far more important to her.

Ponder continued, “Personally I agreed with a few things he said … especially that most women are more excited/proud of their families than their day jobs. I love my job and have worked my butt off (and slept in my car) to get here, but it’s not even comparable to how I feel about being a mom! ESPN will not be with me on my deathbed. When did that become offensive?”

However, she noted that she disagreed with Butker on some of his positions, disputing that a woman’s life begins with motherhood and marriage.  She maintained that it was possible to live a fulfilled life as a single woman working a career.

“I disagreed with a few things he said, too. I do not think my life ‘began’ when I became a wife and mom. I think you can live totally fulfilled purposeful life as a single woman in the workplace! Frankly I think I could have had an equally meaningful life if I never got married/became a mother. I’m so proud to be an American where he can share his beliefs openly.”

Other women have also spoken out in defense of Butker, such as Gracie Hunt, the daughter of Kansas City Chiefs owner Clark Hunt. Hunt stated that she agreed with the kicker’s statements on faith and his comments about women finding purpose in motherhood and homemaking.