Kerr says NFL using anthem as 'fake patriotism'

Steve Kerr is one of the NBA's most outspoken and well-respected head coaches, often using his platform as the leader of the Golden State Warriors to comment on the social issues dominating the United States.

Asked Thursday about the NFL's decision to enact a national anthem policy that will force those on the sidelines to stand during "The Star-Spangled Banner," Kerr didn't hold back, calling the football league's policy "idiotic."

"It's just typical of the NFL. They're just playing to their fan base," said Kerr, according to Anthony Slater of The Atlantic. "Basically, just trying to use the anthem as fake patriotism, nationalism, scaring people. It's idiotic. But that's how the NFL has conducted their business."

Some have pointed to the NFL's concern in regards to being targetted by President Donald Trump, who called for protesting NFL players to be "fired" last year, as the motivation behind the policy.

The president reacted positively to the new rules, but said, "maybe you shouldn't be in the country" to those who remain in the locker room during the anthem - an option given to personnel by the NFL.

Related: Trump to NFL players not standing for anthem: 'Maybe you shouldn't be in the country'

While the NFL and its team owners are reportedly "terrified" of Trump, Kerr continued to show he doesn't share their fear, slamming the NFL for bending to the president's will.

"I'm proud to be in a league that understands patriotism in America is about free speech and peacefully protesting," Kerr said. "Our leadership in the NBA understands when the NFL players were kneeling, they were kneeling to protest police brutality, to protest racial inequality. They weren't disrespecting the flag or the military.

"But our president decided to make it about that and the NFL followed suit, pandered to their fan base, created hysteria."

The NBA has its own anthem policy, which states: "Players, coaches, and trainers are to stand and line up in a dignified posture along the sidelines or on the foul line during the playing of the national anthem," according to Sporting News' Sara Jane Harris.

However, the NBA's policy differs from the NFL's - it was agreed to by the players' union during the last collective bargaining agreement negotiations.