Trump Faces Criticism from Warriors' Coach Steve Kerr
Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr has been a vocal critic of President Donald Trump, most recently taking aim at the president's rhetoric and policies during a press conference after a game against the Portland Trail Blazers.
Kerr, known for his outspoken nature on social issues, has been a consistent critic of Trump since the president's election in 2016. In this latest instance, Kerr addressed Trump's recent comments about NFL players kneeling during the national anthem, calling the president's rhetoric "divisive" and "un-American".
"It's a sad commentary on our country," Kerr said, "that our president is dividing us instead of uniting us."
Kerr also criticized Trump's handling of the recent violence in Charlottesville, Virginia, saying the president's response was "inadequate" and "disappointing".
"I think the president has a responsibility to stand up for what's right," Kerr said. "And when he doesn't, it's a real disappointment to a lot of people."
Kerr's comments come at a time of heightened political tension in the United States, with the NFL kneeling controversy and the Charlottesville violence bringing issues of race, patriotism, and freedom of speech to the forefront.
While some have praised Kerr for speaking out against Trump, others have criticized him for bringing politics into sports. Some argue that athletes and coaches should stay focused on their jobs and avoid political commentary.
However, Kerr maintains that he feels a responsibility to use his platform to speak out against injustice.
"I'm a citizen of this country," Kerr said. "And I care about what's happening. I think it's important for people in positions of power to speak out against injustice, and I'm not afraid to do that."
Kerr's outspoken criticism of Trump highlights the growing divide in the United States over the president's rhetoric and policies. With the NBA season underway, it remains to be seen how other athletes and coaches will respond to the current political climate and whether they will follow Kerr's lead in speaking out against Trump.