Steve Kerr Calls Shooting at Trump Rally 'A Terrible, Sad Spectacle'

Photo: Instagram/Steve Kerr

Team USA coach Steve Kerr reacted to the shooting at a Donald Trump rally while in Abu Dhabi preparing for the Olympics.

Even when you're far from home, news can hit hard. Early in the morning, Kerr heard from family about the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. He had one thought: "Such a demoralizing day for our country."

Kerr called the event "a terrible, sad spectacle" and another example of the political division and gun culture in the U.S. This hit close to home for Kerr, whose father, Malcolm Kerr, was shot and killed in 1984 while serving as president of the American University of Beirut. Steve Kerr has since been a strong advocate for gun control.

Photo: Instagram/Steve Kerr

Kerr and the American men's basketball team are in Abu Dhabi for two showcase games as they prepare for the Paris Olympics. He spoke about the importance of representing the U.S. well during this time.

"I feel very proud to represent our country, wear USA on our chest," Kerr said. "We talk to the players about how important it is to show the best version of us, as human beings, to represent our country in a respectable and dignified manner. It makes you want to do it even more so."

Steph Curry echoed this sentiment, saying, "We’re going to use it as a unifying moment. To use this platform and opportunity to represent ourselves, our families, our country to the best that we can, and hopefully that channels the right energy back home."

Kerr lamented the loss of life to gun violence, causing unnecessary pain. "You can only imagine what their family and friends are feeling today. Thank God Trump wasn’t killed. It’s just demoralizing in every way."

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Source: NBA