When the Golden State Warriors took the court in Portland, coach Steve Kerr stepped onto the sidelines and chose to talk about something far from basketball: gun violence.
The Game and the Context
The conversation took place Sunday night before the Warriors faced the Trail Blazers. It came a day after a tragic shooting at Brown University that left two people dead and nine wounded.
A Recent Shooting Near the Venue
Brown University’s incident highlighted how frequently gun violence erupts across the country. The two fatalities and nine injuries underscored the urgency of Kerr’s remarks.
Kerr’s Reflection on Ongoing Violence
“It’s just a reminder to me that these shootings continue to happen and there is something we can do about them,” Kerr said, framing the day’s tragedy as part of a larger pattern.
The Weight of Loss
“The loss that all of the people involved last night, the loss that they’re feeling, it’s exactly the same loss as all the Parkland families, and every other mass shooting. Nobody asked me about it today. I didn’t expect anybody to ask me. … It’s human nature just to think ‘This is so horrible. Let’s just not even think about it.’ But, we have to think about it.”
A Personal Connection
Kerr, whose father father Malcom Kerr was killed in Beirut in 1984, has long felt the personal impact of loss and has used that experience to fuel his advocacy.
A 2018 Call to Action
In February 2018, before a game in Portland, Kerr expressed frustration that the shooter Nikolas Cruz had legally purchased an AR‑17 before killing 17 people and wounding more than a dozen at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.
Acknowledging Responsible Gun Owners
On Sunday, Kerr emphasized that the vast majority of gun owners in the United States are responsible, law‑abiding citizens who have every right to own a gun.
Public Support for Reform
He added that a majority of Americans support reasonable measures to stem gun violence, indicating a broad base of agreement across political lines.
Common‑Safety Measures
“We know that there are common‑safety measures we can take that will save people’s lives. And I just want people out there, it doesn’t matter if you’re Democrat or Republican, or a gun owner or non‑gun owner, I just want people thinking, what if….”
A Call for Collective Responsibility
Kerr’s message was clear: whether you identify as a Democrat, Republican, gun owner, or non‑gun owner, it’s time to ask what you would do if a loved one were affected by gun violence.
The Significance of Speaking Before a Game
By choosing to speak before a high‑profile NBA game, Kerr used the platform to remind fans that sports and society are intertwined, and that athletes can influence public discourse.
The Broader Conversation
Kerr’s remarks fit into a larger national debate about gun control, the responsibility of lawmakers, and the role of citizens in demanding change.
Key Takeaways
- Kerr linked the Brown University shooting to the broader issue of gun violence.
- He referenced his personal loss and the Parkland tragedy to underscore the human cost.
- Kerr urged Americans to consider common‑safety measures and to stand up for reform.
In a world where gun violence continues to claim lives, Steve Kerr’s voice from the sidelines reminds us that the conversation cannot be ignored.
Morgan J. Carter is a Texas-based journalist covering breaking news, local government, public safety, and community developments across Austin. With more than six years of reporting experience, Morgan focuses on delivering accurate, clear, and timely stories that reflect the fast-moving pulse of the city.
At newsofaustin.com, Morgan reports on everything from severe weather alerts and traffic updates to city council decisions, crime reports, and the issues shaping daily life in Austin. Known for reliable fact-checking and a strong commitment to public-interest journalism, Morgan brings readers the information they need to stay informed and engaged.
When not tracking a developing story, Morgan enjoys exploring Austin’s neighborhoods, attending local events, and connecting with residents to share the voices and experiences that define the community.
