National Basketball Association

Steve Kerr speaks out for social justice

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

Steve Kerr has two sides to him. There’s the fearless competitor that we see on the sidelines; the same guy who bailed out Michael Jordan in the NBA Finals. Then there’s the easy-going side; the part of Kerr that emphasizes fun and has left a positive mark on everyone he’s been around.

Both sides of Kerr have been been forged in trying fires. When he was a freshman in college, Kerr’s father, Malcolm Kerr, was shot twice in the back of the head by terrorists. He was a brilliant professor working in Lebanon.

Professionally, Kerr has done it all. He’s won championships as a player and a coach. He’s been a part of the two greatest teams in NBA history. He’s one of the greatest three-point shooters to step on a court. He was a successful General Manager and a really good broadcaster.

But Steve Kerr the man is 100x Steve Kerr the player, coach, General Manager, and broadcaster. He’s an incredibly intelligent and self-aware person. His warm compassion balances his fiery competitive nature.

During his first media availability of the 2016-17 season, Kerr spoke about Steph Curry’s health, Kevin Durant’s signing, and his own back. But what stood out the most was his comments on social justice. He spoke at length about Colin Kaepernick’s protest, social justice, and what it means for his team.

He spoke about how the team could respond (via Anthony Slater of the Bay Area News Group):

“I think we’ll absolutely talk about it as a team before our first game. I’ve talked to some of the guys, ‘What do you think? What does it mean to you?’ I’ve shared my opinion. That’s kind of the way we do things around here anyway. We like to talk about stuff, basketball or not. It’s probably one of the best things that’s come out of the Kaepernick issue is that people are talking and that’s a good thing.”

Video of that Kerr quote on Kaep, non-violent protesting pic.twitter.com/KtvpAhbgpy

— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) September 21, 2016

Kerr built on this, adding:

“No matter what side of the spectrum you’re on, I would hope that every American is disgusted with what is going on around the country, what just happened in Tulsa two days ago with Terence Crutcher. doesn’t matter what side you’re on on the Kaepernick stuff, you better be disgusted about the things that are happening. I understand people who are offended by his stance. Maybe they have a military family member who is offended. Maybe they lost somebody in a war and that flag or the anthem means a lot more to them than someone else. But then you flip it around, and what about non-violent protests? That’s America. This is what our country is about. It’s a non-violent protest. That’s what it should be about. So I think Colin has really clarified his message over the last couple of weeks. I would think that something similar will happen in the NBA.”

Kerr talked about how he appreciated that Kaepernick has clarified his message. By kneeling, everyone should know that he’s not anti-military, but rather anti-injustice. He put pressure on everyone saying “everybody should be trying to do something, whatever’s in their power.”

The NBA season starts in a little over a month. The national anthem is always played before tip-off so it will be interesting to see if the Warriors do anything as a team. But Kerr’s take is refreshing. Black athletes have driven the conversation and rightfully so. But everyone needs to get in on this and many coaches, both in the professional and college ranks, have responded negatively to Kaepernick and the protest.

Kerr’s insight and compassion are welcomed and perhaps it’ll expand to something more.