Golden State Warriors general manager Bob Myers came under fire on Twitter for what several people deem as insensitive remarks in the wake of George Floyd's death.
The 45-year-old Dubs executive reportedly uttered a controversial opening statement at a conference call with reporters on Monday.
“I hope sports can heal. One of my favorite parts of sports is it’s color blind and meritocracy of sorts. You don’t get judged by how you look. You get judged by how you perform,” the Warriors GM said, per Mark Medina of USA Today.
His words were met with immediate backlash online, citing Myers' supposed tone-deaf approach on the sensitive matter. Comments ranged from reminding Myers about the Warriors' black players, to enlightening him with a history of racism in sports.
If you are going to tout the healing power of sport, I probably wouldn’t start off by erasing the experiences of your Black players. https://t.co/HgmJe5fIRV
— Blake Murphy (@BlakeMurphyODC) June 8, 2020
Sports are so color blind that black baseball players created their own leagues, not because of the discrimination they faced, but for the purpose of camaraderie https://t.co/Jjoe66btD4
— Jeremy Cohen (@TheCohencidence) June 8, 2020
Firstly, there is absolutely racism in sports. Secondly, this "I don't see colour" thing really, really has gotta stop. https://t.co/JCn64UnEgF
— Joshua Howe (@Howevolution) June 8, 2020
Who would like to tell him https://t.co/1moeM2XdjS
— Kristian Winfield (@Krisplashed) June 8, 2020
Defund the Warriors https://t.co/CJ1ZSfQgHQ
— Jordan A. Hayles (@MR_STiXX) June 8, 2020
People in power still have no idea how to talk about any of this. https://t.co/6AbwdJvU5o
— Jared Wade (@Jared_Wade) June 8, 2020
This is disappointing
Jerry West would never https://t.co/tiufwhtkVs
— Chris Montano (@gswchris) June 8, 2020
Bob Myers, meanwhile, was likely just trying to convey a message of how sports transcends race and serves as a great equalizer. However, the manner of his statement and his overall choice of words does seem to do more harm than good — especially during these hard times.
The entire US is currently up in arms as multiple protesters continue to flock the streets across the country to demand equality and social justice for all minorities.
Myers' words could even cause a divide within the Warriors franchise, considering head coach Steve Kerr has been vocal about the injustices. Dubs superstars Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson even attended protests and bent their knees in solidarity with the cause.
The entire NBA has also backed up the Black Lives Matter movement, with players, coaches, and even Commissioner Adam Silver, joining the fight to end racism and social injustice.
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