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Kendra AndrewsESPN
As the KingsYou are ready to host WarriorsAlvin Gentry and Steve Kerr, the coaches, addressed the mass shooting that occurred just blocks from Sacramento’s Golden 1 Center. Six people were killed and a dozen more were injured in the attack.
Gentry stated that it was an “incredible tragedy” during his pregame media access. “I hope this doesn’t put a bad eye on our community… it’s unfortunate something such as that can still occur nowadays in an environment where everyone is just trying have fun, have fun. The gun thing needs to change…it’s a very sad day.”
Kerr didn’t answer any questions about basketball during his pregame availability. He spoke only about shooting.
He said, “So many lives destroyed.” “Everybody with Warriors, we share your city’s sorrow. We are all broken today, even though there is not much you can do or say.
Kerr, whose father was killed in a terrorist attack in Beirut, 1984, is a long-standing advocate for gun violence. He has spent much his professional career calling on those in power and demanding stronger gun laws.
Kerr stated, “We will have silence before the game. This is the right thing to have, but this is my ninth- or tenth silence as head coach of Warriors when we grieve the deaths of people who died in mass shootings.” I don’t believe moments of silence will accomplish anything. Our government must decide if we will have common-sense gun laws at some point.
“Eighty-to 90 percent of Americans support background check. Think about all the common sense laws we could and should create. If we had any nerves, if the government had any nerves, if people place others in front o their own career paths, in front o their reelection campaigns and in front o their own propaganda — it’s all right there in front.
Sacramento police claim that at least two shooters opened fire on the downtown area of the city at 2 AM. This happened just as bars and nightclubs were closing for the night, and the crowds began to fill the streets.
The shooting area was near the State Capitol building, and close to the Warriors team hotel. Golden State did not know about the shooting at the time, and was only discovered about it Sunday morning.
Kerr stated that “this happens in churches, it happens in schools and it happens right here in Sacramento.” “At some point I hope we will think about our fellow citizens, and do something about them, rather than playing politics. Because that’s all they do.
Police indicated that they would increase patrols downtown in advance of Sunday’s match.
This report includes information from The Associated Press.