Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr refused to talk about basketball before his team lost in the playoffs to the Dallas Mavericks Tuesday night, and delivered a passionate speech condemning armed violence in the United States.
His team played the fourth game of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Texas, where during the day at least 21 people, including 18 children, had been killed in a school shooting. Kerr has long been an advocate for gun control. His father was shot dead in a 1984 terrorist attack in Beirut.
“When we do something,” Kerr shouted at his pre-match press conference. “I’m tired. I’m very tired of going up here and offering my condolences to the devastated families out there. I’m so tired of them, sorry, I’m sorry, I’m tired of the moments of silence. Enough!”
Kerr has repeatedly backed a bill that would require stricter background checks on people buying guns. The bill was passed in the U.S. House of Representatives in 2021, but did not reach the Senate.
Kerr looked at the camera before addressing Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. “I ask you, Mitch McConnell, I ask all senators who refuse to do anything about violence and shootings in schools and shootings in supermarkets. I ask you: you will put your own desire for power ahead of the “Because that’s what our children, our elders, and our faithful are all about. Because that’s what it looks like. That’s what we do every week.”
Before leaving the press conference, Kerr punched his fist against the table and delivered a final message. “It simply came to our notice then. I’ve had enough, “he said.
Mavericks coach Jason Kidd also spoke about the shooting in his pre-match comments.
“We’re really going to play with a heavy heart tonight for the community, for Robb Elementary School,” Kidd said. “As coaches, as parents, we have children, the people in this room have children, the primary school; you can only imagine what might happen to any of your family or friends at a school. This is ongoing job training, and we will try to play it safe. We have no choice.
“The game is not going to be canceled. But we have to find a way to be professional and find a way to win and move forward. But the news of what is happening, not only here in Texas but all over our country, is sad.” .
The Mavericks beat the Warriors 119-109, but are still ahead of the Warriors 3-1 in the series at best of seven. The winner will advance to the NBA Finals, where he will play for the Miami Heat or Boston Celtics.