Steve Kerr - a voice to be heard
The inconspicuous nature of Steve Kerr was laid bare by the acclaimed documentary ‘The Last Dance’ It was this that resonated loudest to me - apart from the world’s obvious obsession with basketball’s peerless G.O.A.T - Michael Jordan.
As for Kerr, he was quite content to appear as an ‘extra’ - a part he played to perfection throughout his N.B.A. career, which is in no way devaluing his playing achievements. And now continuing that role into his coaching career, which is equally as decorated.
Kerr coaches the Golden State Warriors; they are described as a team that plays ‘beautiful basketball.’ He might be described as a ‘wonderful coach’ - I think so.
And, it’s that time of the year - N.B.A finals. The Warriors emerge from the Western conference looking like a good thing, their opponent, the Boston Celtics will be equally expectant. I have a parental allegiance to the Celtics, and an appreciation-crush toward the Dubs.
I read Kerr: I watch him intently in-game, and then listen to him run the press in circles. I subscribed to a recent podcast - ‘The Flying Coach’ - and for me, it is hard not to have an appetite that consumes all things Steve Kerr. He is a consummate professional.
As a coach, at a different level, I find his life, and coaching rhythm sublime to observe, the demeanour rarely changes whatever the situation, sitting as close to his players as he needs. Then, when required, he retreats to the X’s and O’s seamlessly. I unashamedly plagiarise without consent, not that he would ask for that. There is no copyright in Mr. Kerr.
With that said …
What is most relevant currently are his words on America’s gun laws. I know, a swift change of direction - please persist.
Kerr’s words are not isolated to the horrific happenings in Buffalo and Uvalde, Texas. No, Kerr is a long-time advocate of gun control, and a long-time critic of politicians who do nothing to change this ridiculous situation. He specifically targets the Senate, who continue to abstain on passing legislation as simple as a requirement for universal background checks. Surely this can be a bi-lateral starting point.
He has repeatedly supported a bill that would require more rigorous background checks on people buying firearms. My research shows the bill passed the US House of Representatives in 2021 - but did not get to the Senate. He is suitably frustrated.
In his words: “I’m fed up. I’ve had enough.” “When are we going to do something?” he added. “Enough!”
You would think much of his ideology is shaped by the traumatic loss of his own father. In 1984, during Kerr’s freshman year at the University of Arizona, his father, Malcolm, was shot and killed by assassins outside his office at the American University in Beirut.
His life changed forever.
After the carnage of last week - Kerr dismissed the importance of basketball when asked about his team’s chances of sweeping the Dallas Mavericks, so advancing to the pinnacle of his current career, in basketball, the N.B.A finals. This would be the Warriors sixth finals appearance in the last eight years - winning three - giving Kerr his three coaching rings.
Instead he switched gears and drew on the weight of his own life, a perspective he has carried since 1984. He had struggled through so much, the resonance that accompanied his words was deserved.
“We’re going to play the game tonight. But I want every person here, every person listening to this, to think about your own child or grandchild, or mother or father, sister, brother. How would you feel if this happened to you today?”
He mocked that a moment of silence, and a basketball game would numb the pain, make it go away. Almost, patronising his own standing.
“That’s what we’re going to do. We’re going to go play a basketball game. Fifty senators in Washington are going to hold us hostage. Do you realise that 90 percent of Americans, regardless of political party, want background checks — universal background checks? Ninety percent of us. We are being held hostage by 50 senators in Washington who refuse to even put it to a vote, despite what we the American people want.”
Kerr stands front and centre when sports use their voice to expose governments who abdicate their responsibilities. There is no backing down, more a further commitment to use his voice, and credibility. For now he is a basketball coach. Later, I think we know, he will hold many sets of feet to the fire, or loafers as is the case for the cozy senate.
Again, he is teaching without lecturing, the narrative he conveys is easily digested by this scribe. And, I hope, his messages are equally accepted everywhere. He surely has a career after basketball.
For now, he has a job to do on the basketball court. Kerr will narrow his focus to the 4,500 odd square feet that will determine the victors of the 2022 N.B.A finals series. His Warriors will be there till the end; the Celtics will be hoping they can conquer their inner-doubts. It will be fascinating viewing.
I am fortunate to be able to spend time in the United States. To me, it is a wonderful country, so much diversity, so much room to grow. For now, I will do as I do - listen to Steve Kerr, follow his lead, try to self-educate on this intensely complex issue. Or is it complex?
On the court - go Celtics! In the debate - go Steve Kerr.
