Steve Kerr, coach of the Golden State Warriors and one of the most respected voices in the NBA, exploded on Tuesday against Republicans for rejecting firearms control in the US after the shooting in which they were killed in Texas at least 18 minors and a teacher.
"I’m not going to talk about basketball today (…). no basketball question matters"Kerr began in his press conference before the fourth game of the Western finals that is played tonight in Dallas (Texas) between the Mavericks and the Warriors (0-3).
"Since we left training this morning, 14 children (the death toll later rose to 18) and a teacher have been killed 400 miles from here (644 kilometers). In the last ten days, we’ve had black elders murdered in a Buffalo supermarket, Asian churchgoers murdered in Southern California, and now we have children murdered at school."he explained.
"When are we going to do something?!"scream.
On the verge of tears and with a gesture of rage at all times, Kerr pointed out that he is "very tired" to appear before the media "offer condolences to devastated families" after a shooting in the US
"I’m very tired. Excuse me, I’m sorry. I’m tired of the minutes of silence. Enough"he claimed.
Kerr then lashed out at Senate Republicans for being against a bill to tighten background checks on gun purchases.
This bill, known as HR8, was approved by the House of Representatives in 2021 but its process is still stuck in the Senate.
"There are 50 senators (the Republicans) who refuse to vote for HR8 (…). There is a reason why they will not vote: to maintain their power"said.
"I’m asking you, Mitch McConnell (Senate Republican Leader), and all of you Senators who refuse to do anything about the violence, the school and grocery store shootings. I ask you: Will you put your own desire for power ahead of the lives of our children, elders and parishioners? ‘Cause that’s what it seems"he added.
Kerr urged that everyone today think of their own "son, grandson, mother, father, sister or brother".
"How would you feel if this happened to you today?"he asked himself.
"50 senators in Washington are holding us hostage. Do you realize that 90% of Americans, regardless of their political party, want universal background (to buy guns)?"said.
Kerr alluded in this way to polls such as that of the Morning Consult firm and the Politico portal, which in 2021 ensured that 84% of Americans (including 77% of Republicans) support that all weapons acquisitions require background checks. .
"We are being held hostage by 50 senators in Washington who refuse to even put it to a vote, despite what Americans want. They won’t vote for him because they want to keep their own power. It’s pathetic! I’ve had enough"closed with a new cry before leaving the press conference.
