San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich is one of the most well-spoken people in sports, often expressing passionate opinions about political issues—especially with regards to President Donald Trump’s controversial actions.
During a media availability on Thursday evening, Popovich was asked about Black History Month and what it means to him.
“It’s a celebration of some of the good things that have happened, and a reminder that there’s a lot more work to do,” the head coach stated.
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His response was honest, insightful and demonstrates why we must all continue the conversation.
You can listen to his response here:
Or, read the full speech, transcribed by ESPN:
[blockquote]Well, it’s a remembrance, and a bit of a celebration in some ways. It sounds odd because we’re not there yet, but it’s always important to remember what has passed and what is being experienced now by the black population.
It’s a celebration of some of the good things that have happened, and a reminder that there’s a lot more work to do. But more than anything, I think if people take the time to think about it, I think it is our national sin. 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.” Because it’s always there, and it’s systemic in the sense that when you talk about opportunity it’s not about “Well, if you lace up your shoes and you work hard, then you can have the American dream.” That’s a bunch of hogwash.
If you were born white, you automatically have a monstrous advantage educationally, economically, culturally in this society and all the systemic roadblocks that exist, whether it’s in a judicial sense, a neighborhood sense with laws, zoning, education, we have huge problems in that regard that are very complicated, but take leadership, time and real concern to try to solve.
It’s a tough one because people don’t really want to face it. And it’s in our national discourse. We have a president of the United States who spent four or five years disparaging and trying to [delegitimize] our president. And we know that was a big fake. But still, [he] felt for some reason it had to be done. I can still remember a paraphrase close to a quote: “Investigators were sent to Hawaii and you cannot believe what they found.” Well, that was a lie. So if it’s being discussed and perpetrated at that level, you’ve got a national problem. I think that’s enough.[cite]Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich, speaking to media[/cite][/blockquote]
