Steve Kerr backs Gabe Kapler’s protest during national anthem after Uvalde shooting
Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr is standing by his San Francisco Giants counterpart.
Kerr praised Giants manager Gabe Kapler on Sunday, days after Kapler said he will be skipping the national anthem ahead of games after the horrific mass shooting at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas.
"I always support any form of peaceful protest. That’s what our country is founded on," Kerr said Sunday. "I think it’s great that he is making his own statement. I think everyone has to do it their own way, and that's the way Gabe chose and I applaud him for it. I think it's important that all of us take part in this march … I think it’s important for everybody to express their frustration, their disgust, their anger, whatever it is in any way that they deem fitting.
“I support everybody’s right to demand better from our country.”
“I always support any form of peaceful protest.”
Steve Kerr applauded Giants manager Gabe Kapler for his decision not to take the field during the national anthem pic.twitter.com/4TcRPbUVw1— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) May 29, 2022
Kapler announced Friday that he won’t be out on the field during the national anthem following the shooting in Texas, where an 18-year-old killed 19 elementary school students and two teachers last week. It marked the deadliest school shooting since the Sandy Hook massacre in Connecticut in 2012.
Kapler has protested during the national anthem in 2020 following the murder of George Floyd. While he won’t be taking a knee this time like he did then, the message is the same.
“I don’t plan on coming out for the anthem going forward until I feel better about the direction of our country,” he said. “That’ll be the step. I don’t expect it to move the needle necessarily, it’s just something I feel strongly enough about to take that step."
Kerr is one of the most outspoken coaches in the NBA and professional sports in the United States, especially when it comes to gun control. He erupted in a powerful, emotional way hours after the Uvalde shooting, and called out Congress to pass a background check bill.
“When are we going to do something? I’m tired,” Kerr yelled ahead of Game 4 of the Western Conference finals.
“I’m so tired of getting up here and offering condolences to the devastated families that are out there. I’m so tired. Excuse me. I’m sorry. I’m tired of the moments of silence. Enough.”
