Popovich sees racism in tolerant response to assault on Capitol.
Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said Thursday he’s “embarrassed to be an American” knowing the “world is laughing at us” after supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol a day earlier in a frenzied attempt to thwart the peaceful transfer of power to President-elect Joe Biden.
But Popovich stressed that his “biggest takeaway” of the unprecedented, deadly day was the “miserable example of racism” he believes occurred during a disturbing breach of security that allowed most of the mob to gain easy access to the building and then exit without being arrested.
The troubling images of some officers taking selfies with the rioters stood in sharp contrast to the aggressive manner in which law enforcement dealt with many Black Lives Matters protests this summer.
“It just laid bare the blatant, dangerous, debilitating racism that is our country’s sin and has plagued us all these years,” Popovich said from Los Angeles. “There can’t be a better, obvious example of a system that is not fair as far as justice and equal rights is concerned and protection of citizens.
“It was just right in your face, and anybody who can ignore that is a shameful individual in my opinion. It is hard to deny that.”
Police in riot gear often used physical force, pepper spray, tear gas and what appeared to be rubber bullets this past summer against peaceful protesters decrying what they viewed as unprovoked police violence against Blacks.
In June, police backed by National Guard troops forcefully pushed back protesters near the White House to clear a path for Trump to cross the street to pose for cameras while holding a Bible in front of a church.
But on Wednesday, at one of the most cherished symbols of American democracy, some officers appeared to give deferential treatment to a mob mostly made up of whites. In June, Trump warned Black Live Matters protesters and others they would face a minimum of 10 years in prison for vandalizing or damaging federal buildings.
“They’re armed to the teeth and ready to go, and they’re going to get after those people, because those are the people that don’t support Trump,” Popovich said. “But if people support Trump, then it’s a free pass. They just happen to be white. That’s what white privilege does for
you. That’s white privilege to the nth degree. No fear. No fear whatsoever.”
Before Thursday night’s game between the Spurs and the Lakers, players and coaches from the teams gathered in a circle at halfcourt to link arm in arm during the playing of the national anthem.
In his pre-game Zoom session with the media, Popovich accused Trump of enjoying the attack on the Capitol.
“They talked about the police and how easy it was and how the barricades were pulled and they walked right in — that doesn’t happen unless there is a wink and a nod somewhere,” Popovich
said. “It’s never happened at any protest anybody has ever been to. This was a wink and nod. ... There wasn’t any preparation. (Trump) didn’t want any preparation.”
There is video, however, showing some officers fighting with the rioters while desperately trying to prevent them from breaching barriers. One woman was shot by Capitol police as a mob tried to break through a barricaded door. Three other people died in medical emergencies, officials said.
U.S. law enforcement authorities announced Thursday the opening of a wide-ranging criminal investigation into the attack.
Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Michael Sherwin said 45 people have been charged.
Sherwin also told reporters that Trump is being investigated for his role in allegedly inciting the attack. At a rally with his supporters Wednesday morning, Trump repeated baseless theories about how the November election was stolen from him even though election officials, judges and officials in Trump’s own departments of Justice and Homeland Security repeatedly have rebuffed his claims.
Popovich called Trump “deranged” and “dangerous.”
“That’s why I don’t think it’s so far-fetched for people to start talking about the 25th Amendment,” Popovich said.
Eubanks, two others in COVID protocols
Reserve big man Drew Eubanks and two other members of the Spurs travel party were not with the team Thursday night because of NBA health and safety protocols.
The news altered the team’s preparation for the game, Popovich said.
“We didn’t have shootaround,” he said. “We were quarantined in our rooms because one player and two staff members had to separate because of NBA protocols.”
It’s unclear whether the three have tested positive for COVID-19 or if they will have to remain in Los Angeles to quarantine while the team continues its five-game road trip in Minneapolis.
“Unable to share any details at this time,” a Spurs spokesman said in a text message. “We’ll continue to provide updates when we can.”