Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr, fresh from leading Team USA to a gold medal at the Summer Olympics, took the stage at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Monday evening, where he made headlines with a bold political endorsement and a pointed jab at former President Donald Trump.
The four-time NBA champion coach used the platform to officially endorse Kamala Harris and Tim Walz in the 2024 election. Addressing the crowd with enthusiasm, Kerr made it clear that he would be actively supporting their campaign. “I’ll be getting out every day to help people get out to vote on November 5 and elect Kamala Harris and Tim Walz as the next President and Vice President of the United States,” Kerr declared.
Kerr, known for his sharp wit and outspoken nature, didn’t shy away from taking a shot at Trump, invoking a popular phrase used by his star player, Steph Curry. “After the results are tallied that night, we can, in the words of the great Steph Curry, tell Donald Trump, ‘Night, night!’” Kerr quipped, drawing applause from the audience.
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However, not everyone was amused by Kerr’s remarks. NFL reporter John Frascella, who has a significant following on X, voiced his discomfort with the comment. Frascella, who has close to 20,000 followers, described himself as “disturbed” by what he perceived as a careless reference to violence, especially given Trump’s past experiences.
“Wait… no one else finds this disturbing? Donald Trump was nearly assassinated… and Steve Kerr is joking about putting him to sleep in front of the entire world? What has happened to this man? He seems detached from reality,” Frascella wrote, expressing his concern.
Frascella’s reaction gained traction when someone pointed out that Kerr’s own father had been assassinated, adding a layer of complexity to the situation. Given Kerr’s personal history, Frascella suggested that the coach should have been more mindful of his words, especially on such a sensitive topic. “That’s why I was disturbed, knowing the Kerr history, I thought he would be way more careful with his words given the sensitivity of the topic,” Frascella added.
The incident has sparked a broader conversation about the intensity of political discourse and the polarization that often accompanies it. Some have called for a step back from the heated reactions that dominate social media, urging a more measured approach to public figures’ statements.
As the 2024 election season heats up, Kerr’s speech serves as a reminder of the powerful intersections between sports, politics, and public opinion, highlighting how even a lighthearted remark can ignite significant controversy in today’s charged environment.
