Golden State Warriors and Team USA head coach Steve Kerr left fans divided on social media following his appearance at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.
On Monday, Kerr took the podium at the Democratic National Convention to endorse presidential candidate Kamala Harris and her running mate, Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota.
To wrap up his comments, the nine-time NBA champion mocked Donald Trump with Steph Curry’s iconic ‘Night Outta Here’ celebration, leaving social media on both sides of the fence as the video circulated.
Former US President Barack Obama praised Kerr’s speech, writing: “Go Coach Kerr! Thank you for bringing home the gold for Team USA and for your leadership at a crucial time for our country.”
“Thank you, #SteveKerr!” said another user. “Legendary player and leader! All for the Americans!”
Steve Kerr left fans divided over his speech at the Democratic National Convention on Monday
“Steve Kerr with the NITE NITE,” wrote actress Sophia Bush.
“Steve Kerr just hit Trump with the phone. Fire night so it might as well be over,” chimed in a fourth user.
While many were delighted that Kerr spoke out and called Americans to action, not everyone was impressed or moved by his comments.
One user called Kerr “corny” while another labeled him a “clown” for his speech.
Kerr, who recently led the Americans to a gold medal in Paris, used several comparisons with his team as he called on citizens to unite in the upcoming election.
Fans took to social media to express their thoughts on the Team USA coach’s comments.
“The last time I was in a packed basketball arena was in Paris, France,” Kerr began. “Nine days ago, some of the most incredible players in the world – 12 incredible Americans – came together to win Olympic gold.
“And the next night, I was back in that same building, watching 12 other of the best players on the planet – our incredible American women – do the same thing,” Kerr added.
“I couldn’t think of a better metaphor for what this country is about than the way Team USA came together at the Olympics.”
Kerr listed the players’ tireless work ethic and how they put aside competition and rivalries to achieve a common goal for the Stars and Stripes.
Kerr mocked Donald Trump with Steph Curry’s ‘Night Night’ celebration after his speech
The nine-time NBA champion called on Americans to unite ahead of the election
Kerr led Team USA to a gold medal at the Paris Olympics earlier this month.
Golden State Warriors coach compared Team USA’s win to the upcoming election
He also described how seeing the players with gold medals around their necks, hands on their chests and the national anthem playing against the American flag in the stadium was the proudest moment of his life. The statement was met with chants of “USA” at the home of the Chicago Bulls.
“The joy, compassion and commitment to our country that we saw at the Olympics is what Kamala Harris and Tim Walz have,” Kerr said. “And it’s what our country needs.”
‘Real leadership, not one that seeks to divide us, but one that recognizes and celebrates our common purpose.’
