Kerr says Kaepernick is being blackballed
LOS ANGELES — Though most other NBA coaches prefer to stick to basketball, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr has emerged as a consistent voice in public discourse.
Asked Monday about former 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s ongoing NFL free agency, Kerr didn’t hold back.
“Oh, he is being blackballed,” Kerr said on the Pod Save America podcast with Dan Pfeiffer. “That’s a nobrainer. All you have to do is read the transactions every day, when you see the quarterbacks who are being hired. He’s way better than any of them.”
Kaepernick, who opted out of his contract with the 49ers in March, was considered to be one of the most accomplished quarterbacks available on the free-agent market. Many have speculated that Kaepernick is still unemployed because teams are wary of signing a player whose decision to protest racial injustice during the national anthem started a league-wide movement.
Two weeks ago, Kaepernick filed a grievance against NFL owners in which he alleged they have colluded to prevent him from getting a job in the league. It is a sentiment Kerr shares.
“The NFL has a different fan base than the NBA,” Kerr said. “The NBA is more urban. The NFL is more conservative, and I think a lot of NFL fans are truly angry at Kaepernick, and I think owners are worried what it’s going to do to business.”
Kerr’s comments come after the Warriors’ Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry have expressed support for Kaepernick. The quarterback’s mother, Teresa, tweeted Tuesday morning: “Appreciate the honesty Coach Kerr!” Green bounces back: Ona Warriors team loaded with mild-mannered personalities, Draymond Green is an emotional leader.
Less than 24 hours after an uncharacteristically timid performance in Sunday night’s home loss to Detroit, Green returned to his aggressive ways in the Warriors’ 141-113 win over the Clippers at Staples Center. He drove to the rim five times, picking up a season-high eight free-throw attempts, and set the tone defensively.
“I’m a much better facilitator when I’m a threat,” said Green, who followed Sunday’s two-point, six-turnover dud with 16 points, nine rebounds, six assists, two steals and one block in 31 minutes. “I was that tonight.”
Added Kerr: “This is who Draymond is — tonight. He’s a guy who makes plays, but is under control, establishes a force to his game.” Attles heads home: Former Warriors guard, head coach and executive Al Attles was released from the hospital late Monday and is home resting comfortably, a team spokesman announced Tuesday morning.
Attles, who turns 81 on Nov. 7, missed “Al Attles Night” on Friday at Oracle Arena after being hospitalized for undisclosed reasons. An ambassador for the organization, he is expected to return to his regular seat at Oracle soon.
At Golden State’s 120-117 win Friday over Washington, Attles bobblehead dolls were handed to fans, and players wore warm-up shirts featuring Attles’ likeness. Kerr wore a retro suit reminiscent of the kind Attles donned while Golden State’s head coach from 1970 to 1983. Attles’ family was there on his behalf.
In his 58 years with the Warriors, Attles has served as a player, coach, general manager and later a multilayered administrator. He held an ownership stake at one time.