Game 5 of the Golden State Warriors versus the Houston Rockets opened with a tribute to those who lost their lives in the shooting at Santa Fe High School in Texas, as 10 children lost their lives, and many others were injured during the incident earlier this week.
“We are Santa Fe strong,” the announcer screamed as tip-off neared, as a symbol of condolence and community union.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr, who has been an advocate for gun control, noted that while the Rockets did the honorable thing showing their respects, the large picture is still unaffected.
“It’s important to note these events and these tragedies, and honor people,” Kerr told Sam Amick of USA TODAY Sports. “But at the same time, it’s agonizing to know that there’s a pretty good chance that the two teams in the Finals are going to be doing the same thing in three weeks (because another shooting might have happened). There’s a really good chance of that, and that’s terrifying.”
Santa Fe was the 22nd high school shooting in the United States since the start of the year — a trend that hasn't shown any signs of stopping, as the bodies keep piling up along with the excuses for not taking a stern measure to prevent them.
“It’s demoralizing that we just can’t seem to do anything about it as a country, and that we can’t see the obvious, which is that gun safety measures,” added Kerr. “I’m not talking about eliminating the Second Amendment from the Constitution – I’m talking about gun safety measures. There are things we can do that would undoubtedly cut back on some of these mass murders.”
Kerr's comments come after some poignant words on the NFL's stance on standing for the flag and anthem, always having the pulse to speak on non-sports-related issues when the opportunity is extended.
True to Kerr's prediction, the 23rd school shooting of this year is currently underway in Noblesville, Indiana; with a teacher and a student already hospitalized, according to ABC15 Arizona.
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