As a lifelong basketball fan and a proud season ticket holder for the Sixers, I’ve always admired the game for its ability to unite people from all walks of life. Whether it’s cheering for a buzzer-beater or celebrating a gold medal, sports have always been my escape—a place where the only thing that matters is the game. That’s why Steve Kerr’s recent appearance at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) left me feeling more than a little disillusioned.
Steve Kerr: A Coach I Admired
Let me be clear: I think Steve Kerr did a phenomenal job coaching Team USA to another medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Watching those games, I was filled with pride—not just in our athletes, but in Kerr’s leadership. He’s someone who’s seen it all in the NBA, from playing alongside legends like Michael Jordan to coaching the Golden State Warriors to multiple championships. He understands the game, and up until recently, I thought he understood his role in the larger sports community.
Why Can’t Sports Figures Stick to Sports?
But then came Kerr’s speech at the DNC. Instead of sticking to the role that made him a household name—coaching and inspiring through sports—he chose to dive headfirst into the political fray. As a coach and former player, Kerr must know that his political leanings will aggravate half the country. So why did he feel the need to make his views so public?
I get it—everyone has the right to their opinion, and Kerr is no different. But there’s a reason many of us turn to sports: it’s our refuge from the constant barrage of political rhetoric that floods our daily lives. We watch games to escape, to connect, and to unite over something bigger than ourselves. Kerr’s decision to use his platform for political messaging disrupts that unity and brings divisive issues into an arena that should be free of them.
Sports as a Unifier, Not a Divider
Sports have a unique power to bring people together, regardless of their background, beliefs, or political affiliations. It’s a place where a Sixers fan like me can share a moment of triumph with someone who might not agree with me on anything else. That’s the beauty of sports—it transcends the things that divide us.
Steve Kerr violated that sanctity when he took the stage at the DNC. By making his political beliefs part of the public discourse, he forced fans like me to confront something we never asked for: the politicization of our beloved game.
Final Thoughts
Steve Kerr is entitled to his opinions, but as a fan, I wish he’d kept them off the court. When I tune in to watch the Sixers or Team USA, I want to be immersed in the game, not reminded of the political divisions that plague our country. Sports should be the great unifier, not another battleground for our disagreements.
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JIMMY
h/t: Steadfast and Loyal
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