Steve Kerr expanded in what's been a couple of days surrounded by controversy after President Donald Trump pulled an already old trick out of the bag, pulling the invitation from Super Bowl champions Philadelphia Eagles.
The Eagles, much like the Warriors, were unlikely to visit the White House, as customary — but Donald Trump decided to rescind the invitation after only a handful of individuals (“two to three players, the owner, and the mascot“) had RSVP'd to the invite.
LeBron James started off Tuesday's press conference by denouncing Trump for his antics, later followed by Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, and Kerr, springing this response today prior to Game 3 of the NBA Finals.
“I think what you're seeing is the athletes are showing patriotism through their community service,” said Steve Kerr, according to Mark Medina of the San Jose Mercury News. “The President is turning all of this into a political game and a ratings game and a blatant display of nationalism. But patriotism is helping your fellow citizens and whether it's what KID is doing or what we did when we visited Washington and the Lynx are doing today, that's what patriotism is about.”
WNBA reigning champions Minnesota Lynx weren't even invited to the White House following their fourth win in the last seven years. All WNBA title-winning teams were cordially invited to Washington D.C. during Barack Obama's term.
“I'm blown away by the irony with the Eagles being disinvited,” Kerr continued. “When you read about their good deeds in their community with Malcolm Jenkins and really trying to get to the root of some of the issues we have and instead we have military sing alongs at the White House to show how patriotic we are even though we don't know the words, it's just incredible. It is incredible. But I'm really proud of people in this country who are recognizing what is happening instead of turning this into a political game. They're just trying to do good deeds.”
Kerr and the Golden State Warriors have been unanimous in their dislike and disapproval of the current presidential regime, and this latest trick hasn't been one that has changed their mind. Kevin Durant and Curry said they were glad other teams, like the Eagles, were exercising their right to choose for themselves and stand up for what they believe in.
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