Kerr says anthem policy ‘idiotic’
Head coach slams NFL for its decision to punish kneeling
HOUSTON — Warriors head coach Steve Kerr, outspoken as usual, harshly criticized the NFL for its new policy prohibiting players from kneeling during the national anthem.
Kerr, speaking at Toyota Center after his team’s shootaround in advance of Game 5 of the Western Conference finals Thursday night, called the decision “typical” of the NFL.
“They’re basically trying to use the anthem as fake patriotism, nationalism, scaring people,” Kerr said. “It’s idiotic, but that’s how the NFL has handled their business. I’m proud to be in a league that understands patriotism in America is about free speech, peacefully protesting.
“I think our leadership in the NBA understands that the NFL players were kneeling to protest police brutality, to protest racial inequality. They weren’t disrespecting the flag or the military. Our president decided to make it about that and the NFL followed suit and pandered to their fan base.
“That created this hysterical ... It’s kind of what’s wrong with our country right now. People in high places are trying to divide us, divide loyalties and make this about the flag, as if the flag is something other than what it really is.
“It’s a representation of what we’re about — diversity, peaceful protest, right to free speech. It’s really ironic, actually, what the NFL is doing.”
The NBA has a similar policy requiring players to stand during the anthem (reached through collective bargaining with the players’ association). Commissioner Adam Silver has not said what would happen if a player refused; the NFL’s new policy subjects teams to a fine if their players do not show respect for the anthem. Teams also could fine a player.
Kerr, asked about the NBA having a similar anthem policy to the NFL’s, sidestepped a direct comparison and pointed to his league’s collaboration between owners and players.
“Adam and the league’s leadership, we feel like we’re partners: players, coaches, management, league management,” Kerr said. “I’m really proud of our players around the league for really being community leaders, being outspoken for good, for the change we need.
“I know tonight we’ll be honoring the victims of the Santa Fe shooting. A lot of our players have been outspoken in terms of gun safety, gun violence, and our league supports it. We’re proud to be part of a whole group that is just trying to make our country better and make some changes for the better. So I’m proud of the NBA for that.”
The NBA had its own national-anthem controversy in 1995-96, when Denver guard Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf decided to stay in the locker room or stretch during the anthem. Abdul-Rauf contended that standing for the anthem conflicted with his Muslim faith.
NBA officials suspended him for one game in March ’96, citing a rule requiring players to line up in a “dignified posture” for the anthem. Abdul-Rauf ultimately reached a compromise with the league, permitting him to stand and pray with his head down.