Patrick Mahomes, Andy Reid cite freedom of speech in protection of Harrison Butker: ‘Beauty of America’

For the primary time since Harrison Butker made his faith-based graduation speech, Kansas Metropolis Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and head coach Andy Reid spoke about what they considered the speech. 

Each Mahomes and Reid invoked freedom of speech in the US throughout their solutions. 

“What makes the locker room so cool is you’re capable of have these discussions and develop into higher and make these selections for your self,” Mahomes, the reigning Tremendous Bowl MVP, instructed reporters Wednesday. “Though there’s huge variations so far as these speeches taking place on the identical time, you get to speak to guys and get information and also you make your personal selections on the finish of the day. 

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“That’s what makes this nation so nice is that you simply’re capable of get as a lot information as you possibly can, and then you definately make your personal selections.”

Reid added: “Everyone’s acquired their very own opinion, and that’s what’s so nice about this nation. You may share these issues and you’ll work by way of it. That’s what guys do.”

Mahomes prefaced these feedback by speaking about Butker because the individual he’s come to know over the previous seven seasons with the Chiefs. He additionally admitted he had a distinction of opinion with some feedback from Butker’s speech. 

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“I decide him by the character he reveals each single day – that’s a superb individual,” Mahomes mentioned. “That’s somebody who cares concerning the individuals round him, cares about his household. He desires to make a superb influence in society.

“There’s sure issues he mentioned that I don’t essentially agree with, however I perceive the individual that he’s, and he’s making an attempt to do no matter he can to guide individuals in the appropriate route. It will not be the identical values that I’ve, however on the identical time, I’m going to evaluate him by the character he reveals each single day and that’s an awesome individual.

“It will get somewhat divisive at instances once you get to social media and also you get to outdoors the constructing. However within the constructing, you possibly can have these wholesome discussions and nonetheless be buddies on the finish of the day, regardless that you won’t agree with the identical issues.”

Reid mentioned he hasn’t spoken to Butker concerning the speech, and added that the Chiefs didn’t really feel the necessity to take action. The group by no means launched a press release concerning the assaults Butker was getting when the speech went viral, however the NFL did launch a press release reiterating their dedication to inclusion. 

Butker’s comment directed on the feminine graduates of Benedictine School, to embrace their “vocation” as a “homemaker,” ruffled many feathers. Nevertheless, many others have defended Butker, saying he was merely talking to his Christian beliefs. 

Both means, Mahomes and Reid are alluding to how the Chiefs’ locker room is a spot the place opinions may be shared and discussions may be had about any subject.  

“We’re a microcosm of life right here – totally different areas, totally different religions, totally different races,” Reid mentioned. “All of us get alongside, all of us respect one another’s opinions. And never essentially can we go by these, however we respect all people to have a voice. It’s the wonderful thing about America, man.… My want is all people can kinda observe that.”

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Mahomes added: “We’ll proceed to maneuver alongside and assist construct one another as much as make ourselves higher each single day. On the finish of the day, we’re going to return collectively as a group, and I believe that can assist eradicate these distractions outdoors the constructing.”

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