SAN FRANCISCO – Warriors coach Steve Kerr’s choice to wear a Harvard basketball t-shirt to the postgame press conference after Golden State’s 121-116 play-in victory over Memphis was followed by a statement in support of the university currently under pressure by the Trump administration.

Harvard has challenged the administration over its demand to limit activism on campus. The Associated Press has reported that the government is freezing $2.2 billion in grants and an additional $60 million in contracts in response.  

“Felt like a great day (to wear it). I believe in academic freedom,” Kerr said. “I think it’s crucial for all our institutions to be able to handle their own business the way they want to, and they should not be shaken down and wold what to teach, what to say, by our government.”

The coach continued, saying, “That’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard, but it’s kind of par for the course right now. So yes, this is me supporting Harvard. Way to go, way to stand up to the bully.”

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The man who has won four NBA titles with in the Bay Area said that he counts longtime Harvard coach Tommy Amaker as a friend, and that Amaker gifted him the shirt after the Warriors held a November practice at the university.

The Warriors coach taking a political stance against the Trump administration, and speaking on non-basketball issues, is nothing new. 

Kerr spoke in support of Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris at the 2024 Democratic National Convention in August, and in November implored Warriors fans to push back on Trump’s belief that the presidential election was rigged. 

Kerr has also spoken in support of stricter gun laws after multiple mass shootings throughout his 11 years as the Warriors head coach.