Support for Harrison Butker's Speech Amidst Backlash

Former MLB pitcher Matt Dermody applauds Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker for his faith-based commencement speech, despite the backlash he has received.

In the wake of widespread backlash, former MLB pitcher Matt Dermody has emerged as a staunch supporter of Harrison Butker's faith-based commencement speech. Butker, a three-time Super Bowl-winning kicker for the Kansas City Chiefs, sparked controversy with his address to Catholic school graduates, leading to a petition demanding his release from the team.

Dermody, who currently pitches for Toros de Tijuana in Mexico, has faced similar scrutiny for expressing his religious beliefs. He believes that Butker's speech was a courageous stand for his faith.

"Last thing I remember, we’re in America, and we’re granted certain rights here – freedom of religion, freedom of speech," Dermody said. "Harrison Butker, he expresses his freedom of religion and his opinion. There’s nothing that’s wrong with that."

Dermody recognizes that not everyone will agree with Butker's views, but he respects his right to express them. "There’s some things you agree and disagree with – and I’m in the same boat right there. But one thing is I commend Harrison Butker for standing up for his beliefs and his faith. It takes courage for that, so I applaud him for that."

Dermody recalled a similar attack against his own faith when a social media post from 2021 resurfaced after he was called up to the Boston Red Sox in 2023. The post expressed his belief that homosexuals will go to hell, based on his interpretation of the Bible.

The Red Sox initially discussed the post with Dermody, expressing their desire for him to take it down. Dermody complied, but he was released after just one spot start the following month. The Red Sox later apologized for their handling of the situation.

Dermody remains steadfast in his religious convictions, which is why he understands and respects Butker's message. However, he acknowledges that criticism comes with the territory of speaking out about one's faith.

"That’s the thing. God is going to refine us in the fire," he said. "All who are in the faith, they’re going to be put through the fire. …This is Harrison Butker’s trial and his refining moment. I commend him a lot."

Dermody believes that Butker's speech was particularly relevant to the audience of Catholic students. He argues that Butker did not disparage women, but rather emphasized the value of the homemaker role and the importance of family.

"He never said women need to leave the CEO office and go in the kitchen. He never said that. "He was lifting up his wife in the position she’s in, which is homemaker, and he was speaking about the lies that’s directed towards women. One of the lies he was talking about was the homemaker, the stay-at-home mom who raises the family, is not a job to be coveted. Harrison Butker was saying it is actually the most important job in his family because he values his family because all else."

Dermody believes that the media has misrepresented Butker's speech. "That’s what the media does – they put the fear of losing our jobs in our minds," he said. "So, if we speak up for our beliefs, we’re going to get persecuted for it and that’s the way the world is being run right now."

Dermody experienced this firsthand when he was offered a spring training invitation by the Minnesota Twins prior to the 2024 season. However, the offer was rescinded just days later, and Dermody believes that the league pressured the team into withdrawing it.

Despite the setbacks, Dermody continues to pitch in Tijuana, where he has a 3.89 ERA in seven starts. He is not alone in supporting Butker's speech. ESPN NFL broadcaster Sam Ponder called the petition to remove Butker from the Chiefs "totally un-American."

Gracie Hunt, the daughter of Chiefs CEO Clark Hunt, also voiced her support for Butker on Fox News. She shared her own positive experiences with having a stay-at-home mother.

The controversy surrounding Butker's speech has sparked a wider discussion about freedom of speech and the role of religion in public life. While some have condemned Butker's views, others have defended his right to express them. The debate is likely to continue as society grapples with the balance between personal beliefs and societal values.