Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr ripped President Donald Trump and his decision to disinvite the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles to the White House, saying the president is trying to politicize everything.
"I'm blown away by the irony of the Eagles being disinvited," Kerr said before Wednesday's Game 3 of the NBA finals.
"When you read about their good deeds in their communities — Malcolm Jenkins addressing lawmakers, really trying to get to the root of some of the issues we have — and instead we just have these military sing-a-longs at the White House to show how patriotic we are. Even though we don't know the words."
Kerr's last comment was in reference to the military celebration Trump held at the White House Tuesday afternoon in lieu of the Eagles event. Trump canceled the Eagles' visit after the team tried to reschedule at the last minute and because only a handful of players and staff were planning to attend.
Kerr said Trump is making things "into a political game."
"It's just incredible. It is incredible," said Kerr, whose team leads the Cleveland Cavaliers 3-0 in the best-of-seven series. "But I'm really proud of people in this country who are recognizing what's happening and instead of turning this into a political game, they're just trying to do good deeds because that's what it takes."
Kerr was also asked about the reigning WNBA champion Minnesota Lynx, were apparently not invited to the White House to recognize their title.
"I think what you're seeing is, I think the athletes are showing patriotism through their community service," he said, alluding to the good deeds athletes do when they're away from the field.
"What patriotism is is helping your fellow citizen and whether it's what [NBA player Kevin Durant is] doing or what we did when we visited Washington or what the Lynx are doing today, that's what patriotism is about."
Trump clashed with the NFL after dozens of players knelt during the National Anthem the past two seasons. The league has since adopted a new rule that requires players to stand during the playing of the song or wait in the locker room.
The Cavaliers' LeBron James, meanwhile, said this week that regardless of who wins the NBA championship, it's unlikely either team would go to the White House for a visit with Trump.
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