Andy Reid is commenting on Harrison Butker's controversial statements.
During the uproar surrounding the Kansas City Chiefs kicker's contentious graduating speech at Benedictine College on May 11, his coach stated that the athlete has the right to say what he believes in.
"Everybody's got their own opinion," Reid remarked at a press conference on May 22. "And that's what's so great about this country, you could share those things, and you work through it."
According to the three-time Super Bowl-winning coach, the Chiefs represent a "microcosm of life," with players from "different areas, different religions, and different races."
We all get along, we all respect each other's opinions," he said, "and not necessarily do we go by those, but we respect everybody to have a voice."
Regarding Butker's statements on the role of women—in which he suggested that women
are most excited about your marriage and the children you will bring into this world"—Reid emphasized that Harrison most likely had no negative intentions.
"I don't think he was speaking ill of women," he replied. "He has opinions, and we all respect them. I let you guys in this room, and you have a lot of beliefs that I disagree with."
The 66-year-old also stated that he did not feel compelled to address Butker's statement, stating that "a great thing about America" is that everyone has the right express their own opinion, and that he wants "that everybody could kind of follow that.
The 28-year-old has yet to respond to the increasing outrage over his provocative speech, which also addressed abortion and LGBTQ+ rights.