STEELE: NBA, unlike NFL, not shying away from Trump talk
As part of a lengthy answer to a question about what the monthlong commemoration means to him, the Spurs coach said this:
The rest of Popovich’s response (as transcribed by ESPN.com’s Michael C. Wright) was just as pointed. Prior to the above statement, he called idea that minorities have the same access to the American Dream as whites “hogwash.” Black History Month itself, he said, was America’s “national sin.” Later, he said President Donald Trump tried to “illegitimize” former President Barack Obama with birther claims.
MORE: Popovich rips into Trump over immigration ban
Pop’s words come from a place of knowing people of color as, well, people, as human beings worthy of dignity and respect. But when he and other people touch the third rail of “white privilege,” people go off the rails. Dignity is immolated and respect incinerated by the sparks that ignite all around. Screamers on all sides are cocksure they’re saving the country and that all dissenters are evil. The “discourse” causes people to withdraw, to not risk hurt feelings or, worse, physical injury as people protect their racial turf.
Popovich sees no value in remaining silent.
MORE: Pop tears into Trump after march on D.C.
“It always intrigues me when people come out with, ‘I’m tired of talking about that’ or, ‘Do we have to talk about race again?’ And the answer is, ‘You’re damned right we do,’” he told reporters.
And because he went there Thursday, to white privilege, get ready for another conflagration.
