Conservative commentator Laura Ingraham surprised many by not urging Kansas City Chiefs’ kicker Harrison Butker to “shut up and kick” during a discussion about athlete activism on her show, “The Ingraham Angle.”
The conversation, reported by Sports Illustrated on May 16, 2024, delved into the role of athletes in speaking out on social and political issues, a topic that has garnered significant attention in recent years.
Ingraham, known for her outspoken conservative views, has previously criticized athletes who engage in activism, famously telling NBA star LeBron James to “shut up and dribble” in 2018 after he spoke out on political matters.
However, during the segment featuring Butker, Ingraham took a different approach. She acknowledged the importance of athletes using their platforms to advocate for causes they believe in, stating, “Athletes have a right to express their opinions just like anyone else.”
This departure from her past remarks caught many viewers off guard, with some praising Ingraham for her apparent change in tone. However, others questioned the consistency of her stance on athlete activism, pointing out the contrast between her treatment of Butker and previous comments directed at other athletes.
Butker, for his part, used the opportunity to discuss his advocacy work on mental health awareness and the stigma surrounding it. He emphasized the importance of athletes using their platforms for positive change and promoting important societal conversations.
The segment on “The Ingraham Angle” highlighted the ongoing debate surrounding athlete activism and the role of public figures in speaking out on social and political issues. While opinions remain divided, Ingraham’s shift in tone sparked discussions about the evolving attitudes toward athlete advocacy in mainstream media.