President Biden will welcome the Kansas City Chiefs to the White House next Friday to celebrate their Super Bowl victory, but the invitation has drawn scrutiny following kicker Harrison Butker's controversial remarks about abortion and the LGBTQ community.
President Biden will host the Kansas City Chiefs at the White House next Friday, May 26th, to commemorate their victory in Super Bowl LVII over the San Francisco 49ers. This will mark the second consecutive year that the Chiefs have visited the White House, having won the championship in 2022 but being unable to attend due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The invitation extends to the entire team, but it has been met with mixed reactions following recent comments made by kicker Harrison Butker. During a commencement speech at Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas, Butker expressed his conservative views, including his opposition to abortion and his concerns about the impact of gender ideology on youth.
Butker's remarks have sparked backlash, particularly among LGBTQ advocates and supporters of abortion rights. Many have criticized his views as discriminatory and out of touch with modern society.
When asked about Butker's speech, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said that the entire team is invited to championship visits, but "it's up to the team who comes and who doesn't come."
Chiefs coach Andy Reid and star players Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce have defended Butker's character as a person and a teammate this week, while acknowledging that they may not agree with his beliefs.
"I know Harrison well enough to know he's a great guy," Reid said. "He's got great character. I don't always agree with him on everything, but I respect his right to have his opinion."
Mahomes echoed Reid's sentiments, saying, "Harrison is a good friend and a great teammate. We may not always see eye-to-eye on everything, but we support each other."
Despite the controversy surrounding Butker's comments, the Chiefs are expected to be well-represented at the White House visit. The team has a strong tradition of supporting their players both on and off the field.
The White House visit will be a recognition of the Chiefs' remarkable achievements on the field, including their second Super Bowl victory in as many years. However, it will also serve as a reminder of the ongoing debate over issues of faith, morality, and the role of athletes in society.
