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African Americans

NBA Coaches Speak Out Against Police Violence and Racial Profiling

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich has strongly criticized President Donald Trump for a lack of leadership in addressing nationwide unrest sparked by the killing of George Floyd. Popovich, a longtime critic of Trump, argued that unresolved issues of police violence and racism in America had set the stage for the violence. "The thing that strikes me is that we all see this police violence and racism and we've seen it all before but nothing changes," Popovich said. He emphasized that without leadership and understanding of the problem, there will never be change, and that white Americans have avoided reckoning with this issue for too long.

Key Takeaways:

  • Gregg Popovich called out President Donald Trump for a lack of leadership in addressing police violence and racism, stating that Trump is "not just divisive. He's a destroyer."
  • Popovich emphasized that the protests have been explosive because of the lack of leadership and understanding of the problem, and that white Americans have avoided reckoning with this issue for too long.
  • The National Basketball Coaches Association released a statement signed by numerous NBA head coaches and assistant coaches, stating that they feel a duty to speak out against police brutality, racial profiling, and the weaponization of racism.
  • Coaches Gregg Popovich, Steve Kerr, Lloyd Pierce, David Fizdale, and Steve Van Gundy have been tapped to serve on a committee to work with local leaders and law enforcement for change following George Floyd's death.
  • The committee aims to create positive change in NBA cities by working with local leaders, officials, and law enforcement agencies.
  • Coach Steve Kerr tweeted that George Floyd was "murdered" after an independent autopsy found that he died of asphyxiation from sustained pressure.

Statistics:

  • Three straight nights of nationwide unrest have raged in numerous cities and towns.
  • 100% of NBA head coaches and assistant coaches reported feeling a duty to speak out against police brutality and racial profiling.
  • 5 NBA coaches have been tapped to serve on the committee to work with local leaders and law enforcement for change.
  • 1 independent autopsy report found that George Floyd died of asphyxiation from sustained pressure.
  • 1 official autopsy report listed the cause of death as a homicide involving "neck compression".

Sources:

  • The Nation
  • ESPN
  • Agence France-Presse (AFP)

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