Head coach supports social protest — but ‘it has to come from the heart’
In recent weeks, Steve Kerr asked some of his players two questions about the national anthem protests gaining traction throughout sports: What do you think? What does it mean to you?
The Warriors’ head coach views these conversations as an example of why nonviolent social activism is important. Before Golden State’s first preseason game Oct. 1, he will discuss with the rest of his team why some athletes have followed 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick in choosing not to stand for the anthem.
“One of the best things that’s come out of this is talking about it,” Kerr said Wednesday after
noon at the Warriors’ practice facility. “No matter what side of the spectrum you’re on, I would hope that everyone’s disgusted by what’s going on around the country.”
Overwhelmingly favored to win their second NBA title in three seasons, Golden State has a unique platform. Sportswriters are moving across the country to report on how Kevin Durant fits into a stacked lineup. Less than a week before the start of training camp, sports-talk shows have debated for months whether the Warriors will top their NBA-record 73 regular-season wins. A third of Golden State’s games will be carried on national TV.
With such a broad reach, the Warriors’ players might choose their words — on basketball or otherwise — especially carefully. Kerr read the quotes from Durant, Stephen Curry and Draymond Green lauding Kaepernick for taking a stand on police brutality against African Americans, a topic about which Kaepernick feels passionate. If any of his players chooses to join the movement Kaepernick started, Kerr will have no qualms. What matters most to him is that the message trying to be conveyed is understood.
“It’s a tricky topic — not the Kaepernick situation, but just social activism in general,” Kerr said. “It has to come from the heart. There are a lot of fans out there that say, ‘Stick to sports. We’re trying to get away from all that by watching your team play.’ On the other hand, these guys have a voice. In my mind, as long as the message is clear, I’m all for people speaking out against injustice, whatever form that takes.”
Kerr commended Kaepernick for reaching out to former Green Beret Nate Boyer. After discussing the purpose of his silent protest with Boyer three weeks ago, Kaepernick decided to kneel instead of sit during the anthem. It was an adjustment Kerr said made Kaepernick’s message even stronger.
He “really clarified his message that this is about unarmed black people being killed indiscriminately around the country,” Kerr said. “That’s the message. That’s what matters. The other stuff, you can talk about all day. Nobody’s right, nobody’s wrong. But that matters and everybody should be trying to do something, whatever’s in their power.”
This isn’t the first time Kerr has publicly voiced his opinion on a political issue. Less than a week after the Warriors fell to Cleveland in the Finals, on a podcast hosted by the San Jose Mercury News’ Tim Kawakami, Kerr gave an impassioned plea for gun control.
“Everybody has their own thoughts, what they think is important,” Kerr said. “When you’re in the limelight, you do have to think, ‘Do I want to say something? Am I the right person to say something about this?’ ”
With the most anticipated season in franchise history looming, Kerr is eager to help his players navigate those questions. Briefly: Kerr said that he talked to small forward Stephen Jackson, 38, in the summer about joining the Warriors as either a coach or player, but nothing materialized. Jackson, who was with Golden State from 2007 through ’09, hasn’t played in the NBA since the 2013-14 season. … Not surprisingly, Kerr said that center Zaza Pachulia will join Durant, Curry, Green and Klay Thompson in the starting lineup. … Though he kept the topic of his health to a minimum, Kerr said he is “feeling well.” Kerr missed 43 games last season from complications stemming from back surgery . ... Kerr said center JaVale McGee has “a real chance” to make the team. A nonguaranteed trainingcamp invitee, McGee will compete with Phil Pressey, Elgin Cook, Cameron Jones and Elliot Williams for the final roster spot.
“As long as the message is clear, I’m all for people speaking out against injustice, whatever form that takes.” Steve Kerr, Warriors head coach