Kerr, Curry rip NCAA for unequal facilities
“I saw the photos of the two respective weight rooms and, yeah, it was really ridiculous. I hope that the NCAA is clearing that up.”
Steve Kerr, Warriors head coach
The Warriors’ Stephen Curry and Steve Kerr have expressed dismay with the NCAA’s apparent preferential treatment of men’s basketball players over the athletes competing in the women’s tournament beginning Sunday.
On Thursday night, Curry quotetweeted a video from Oregon sophomore Sedona Prince showing an abundance of space where the women are training. Next to the women’s practice court, a vast area is unused. In response to that video, Curry wrote, “wowcome on now! @marchmadness @NCAA yall trippin trippin.”
Asked Friday afternoon about the disparity between how male players and female players are being treated by the NCAA, Kerr said, “I saw the photos of the two respective weight rooms and, yeah, it was really ridiculous. I hope that the NCAA is clearing that up right away and getting the women the facilities that they deserve.”
In the face of outrage and numerous accusations that it has prized the men’s tournament over the women’s, the NCAA apologized Friday about the disparities in workout facilities at the two marquee events. Later in the day, NCAA President Mark Emmert acknowledged a startling imbalance in the methods of coronavirus testing for male and female athletes at the respective tournaments.
At the men’s event in Indiana, players are using a polymerase chain reaction — or PCR — test, which is considered the best test available. The method for the women’s tournament in Texas, however, is a rapid antigen test — a cheaper alternative to the PCR test that provides quicker, less accurate results.
“We have complete confidence in all the medical protocols that have been put together,” Emmert said. “All of the health experts say the protocol that they’re using right now in all our venues and all our championships is one that has no difference at all in our ability to mitigate risk.”
It should come as no big surprise that Prince’s video bothered Curry, who has long advocated for equal pay and opportunities for female athletes. Kerr, whose daughter, Maddy, played volleyball at Cal, also has been a vocal supporter of women’s sports.
“With the Warriors, we really support women’s sports,” Kerr said. “We all have a very personal connection. I know for me through my daughter playing college volleyball, seeing what sports can do for every young person. And then beyond, just childhood, going into career opportunities.
“Whether it’s working in sports or being professional athletes, women deserve every opportunity that the men get. I’m glad that people are making that point. Today, it’s important.”