Golden State Warriors and Team USA head coach Steve Kerr left fans divided on social media after his appearance at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.
On Monday, Kerr took the stage at the DNC to endorse presidential candidate Kamala Harris and his running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.
To conclude his speech, the nine-time NBA champion mocked Donald Trump with Steph Curry’s iconic “Night Night” celebration, a video that quickly spread across social media.
Former US President Barack Obama raved about Kerr’s speech, writing: “Let’s go, Coach Kerr! Thank you for bringing home the gold for Team USA, and for your leadership at a critical time for our country.”
“Thanks #SteveKerr!” said another user. “Legendary player and leader! All in for Americans!”
Steve Kerr divided fans after his speech at the Democratic National Convention on Monday
“Steve Kerr with the NITE NITE,” wrote actress Sophia Bush.
“Steve Kerr just gave Trump the Steph Night Night phone so it might be over,” a fourth user said.
While many were enthusiastic about Kerr’s statements and the call for Americans to take action, not everyone was impressed or moved by his comments.
One user called Kerr “corny,” while another called him a “clown” for his speech.
Kerr, who recently led the Americans to a gold medal in Paris, used several comparisons to his team as he called on citizens to unite in the upcoming elections.
Fans took to social media to voice their opinions 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 American men — came together to win Olympic gold.
“And the next night I was back in that same building watching another 12 of the best players in the world – our incredible American women – do the same thing,” Kerr added.
“I couldn’t think of a better metaphor for what this country stands for than the way Team USA came together at the Olympics.”
Kerr described the players’ tireless work ethic and how they put aside their 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 come together ahead of the election
Kerr led Team USA to a gold medal at the Paris Olympics earlier this month
The Golden State Warriors coach compared Team USA’s victory to the upcoming election
He also described how seeing the players with gold medals around their necks, hands on their chests and The Star-Spangled Banner playing in the building was the proudest moment of his life. The statement was met with “USA” chants in the home stadium of the Chicago Bulls.
“The joy, the compassion, the dedication to our country that we saw at the Olympics, that’s what Kamala Harris and Tim Walz have,” Kerr said. “And that’s what our country needs.
“Real leadership, not the kind that tries to divide us, but the kind that recognizes and celebrates our common purpose.”