Sage Steele 'Saddened' By Criticism Of Harrison Butker, Pushes For 'Diversity Of Thought'

Ever since Harrison Butker delivered his famous (infamous, depending on who you ask) speech at a Catholic college in Kansas, reactions have been varied and strong. Sage Steele, a former ESPN anchor, gave her thoughts and defended Butker's right to free speech.

That's the obvious take here, whether you agree or disagree. In fact, what made Steele's comments most interesting is that she said she "didn't agree with everything" Butker said. 

"I am so saddened at the criticism that has come this man's way just because he voiced his opinion," Steele said, before adding: "Doesn't mean you have to agree with everything he said." 

She continued, explaining why it's important that people continue to express themselves, even if they don't share their beliefs. 

"Diversity of thought; I've been preaching that since long before I left ESPN and I will never stop preaching it because that is what's right," she said. 

Sports commentator Sage Steeled weighed-in on the Harrison Butker commencement address and defended his right to free speech.

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Steele goes on to say that while being a mother is the most fulfilling part of her life – which is what Butker suggested is the case for most women – that doesn't mean it's true for all women. 

"I know women, women who are close friends of mine, who actually are quite content in life without having kids, whether it was their specific choice, they didn't want to become a mother or they couldn't and are now at peace with it," Steele said. 

She then criticized the NFL for coming out with a statement saying that the league "doesn't align" with Butker's views. 

Her point makes sense – how many actual NFL players have come out and said they don't agree with Butker? Not one, so far. Some, including Kansas City Chiefs teammate Chris Jones, have backed Butker. 

So, who exactly "doesn't align" with his beliefs? The NFL itself? 

"I thought so many parts of [Butker's speech] were so beautiful," Steele continued.

"How cool is it as a woman to hear your spouse praise you and have such gratitude towards you?

"That's a beautiful thing. Isn't that pro woman? That's the way I took it," she said.

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Current ESPN anchor Sam Ponder, recently shared a similar sentiment as Steele. It's fine to disagree with Butker's words or even disagree with the forum that he chose to share them. 

But for the people creating petitions for him to lose his job, that's ridiculous. It goes against everything that the United States is about. For an American newspaper to suggest that Butker lose his job and have a woman take it from him, for no other reason than her gender? Pure insanity. 

Diversity is a good thing, right? Isn't that what the left constantly preaches? I agree, and let's apply it to diversity of thought above all else.