SAN ANTONIO – As protests continue in America and across the globe in reaction to the death of George Floyd, San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich recorded a statement as part of a Twitter series populated by the organization to allow players, coaches and staff to speak on racial inequality using the hashtag #SpursVoices.
Popovich starts the video speaking about the look on the former Minneapolis police officer’s face as he knelt on Floyd’s neck for nearly 9 minutes. About 40 seconds in, Popovich pauses as he becomes emotional.
“I think I’m just embarrassed, as a white person, to know that could happen,” he continues.
He also refers to the death of Floyd as a lynching. Popovich calls on white people to stand up to racial injustices, as well gun violence, referencing Sandy Hook.
“It’s easy for people to let things go when it doesn’t involve them,” he says.
Popovich is not new to openly speaking his mind about politics and social injustices, often criticizing President Donald Trump.
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“Our country is in trouble and the basic reason is race,” Popovich says at the end of the 3-minute and 23-second video.
Derek Chauvin, the officer who knelt on Floyd’s neck, was arrested a few days after the incident and has since received an increased charge of second-degree murder. Three other officers were also arrested.