Golden State coach Steve Kerr’s emotional press conference has gone viral as he slammed American politicians and gun laws in the wake of the Texas primary school shooting.
At least 19 children and two adults have been killed in a school shooting at Robb Elementary School in Texas.
The gunman was identified as 18-year-old Salvador Ramos, who police confirmed is now dead.
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Before the Warriors finals series game against the Dallas Mavericks Steve Kerr refused to talk about basketball, and instead used his time to give an impassioned speech regarding background checks and buying guns.
The coach began his speech by slamming his fist on the table saying, ‘any basketball questions don’t matter’, and asking ‘when are we going to do something?!’.
He continued: “I’m tired. I’m so tired of getting up here and offering condolences to the devastated families that are out there.
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“I’m sorry. I’m tired of the moments of silence. Enough.
“There’s 50 senators right now who refuse to vote on HR8, which is a background check rule that the House passed a couple of years ago. It’s been sitting there for two years.
“There’s a reason they won’t vote on it, and that’s to hold onto power.”
Kerr criticised American politicians who he said were holding the American public ‘hostage’ with 90 per cent of American citizens for universal background checks regardless of political preference.
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He proceeded to ask those listening to the press conference to not become numb to the situation and accept school shootings as a consistent reality for the United States.
He added: “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.
“They won’t vote on it because they want to hold onto their own power! It’s pathetic! I’ve had enough!”
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The impassioned Kerr stormed out of the press room shouting and very visibly upset by the situation.
Kerr’s father, Malcolm was killed by two terrorist gunmen when Steve was just 18 years old.
His speech quickly went viral on social media with many applauding the actions of the Golden State coach.
Warriors star Steph Curry tweeted: “Watch this as much as you watch the game tonight.”
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While NBA reporter, Dan Wolke said: “This is the pain and passion of a man who had his family impacted by violence. When he asks people to imagine if this was their family, remember that Steve Kerr doesn’t have to.”
Topics: Basketball, NBA, Australia
Jayden Collins