An online petition calling for kicker Harrison Butker’s release from the Kansas City Chiefs is gathering momentum after he made controversial remarks. Butker has been the subject of widespread backlash after delivering a speech at Benedictine College in Kansas.

In his address, he criticized Pride Month, made derogatory remarks about transgender individuals, and suggested that women should primarily fulfil homemaking roles. Following these comments, the NFL has publicly distanced itself from Butker’s opinions, clarifying that his views do not reflect those of the league.

An official statement from Jonathan Beane, the NFL’s senior vice president and chief diversity and inclusion officer, obtained by TODAY.com, emphasized that Butker was speaking as an individual and not as a representative of the NFL, underscoring the league’s dedication to inclusivity.

Despite the controversy, there have been no official repercussions against Butker from the league or his team. However, a petition on Change.org calling for the Chiefs to let go of Butker has attracted over 178,000 supporters at the last count.

This indicates a significant public outcry against the player’s statements and a push for the Chiefs to take action.

The petition calls for action from the Kansas City Chiefs, urging the team to hold sports personalities to high standards as exemplars of respect for individuals of all races, genders, and sexual orientations. “We are advocating for the immediate removal of Harrison Butker from the team due to his unacceptable behavior,” the petition states.

It asks those who are against discrimination and support the creation of a welcoming environment, where every person is accorded respect and dignity, to lend their signature in solidarity. So far, the Chiefs have not responded to the widespread reaction to Butker’s controversial remarks.

In other news, a competing online petition has emerged in opposition to the campaign seeking his removal. At the time this article was prepared, it had garnered slightly more than 10,000 signatures.

Additionally, a noteworthy incident occurred when a competing AFC team slyly mocked Kansas City Chiefs’ divisive kicker Harrison Butker in their schedule announcement, a video of which has also been circulating.