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Kerr to Trump: 'Isn’t it you who must honor the White House?'

Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports / Action Images

Warriors coach Steve Kerr encouraged his players to have a discussion about whether their championship squad should visit the White House.

There's no need for that conversation anymore, after President Donald Trump tweeted that he'd rescinded the Warriors' invitation because Steph Curry "hesitated." Even though the Warriors aren't going to have the opportunity to air their grievances with Trump in person, Kerr still has a message for the commander in chief.

"I’ve been fortunate enough to meet President Reagan, both Bushes, Clinton, and Obama," Kerr told The Crossover's Chris Ballard. "I didn’t agree with all of them, but it was easy to set politics aside because each possessed an inherent respect for the office, as well as the humility that comes with being a public servant in an incredible position of power, representing 300 million people.

"And that’s the problem now. In his tweet to Steph, Trump talked about honoring the White House but, really, isn’t it you who must honor the White House, Mr. President? And the way to do that is through compassion and dignity and being above the fray. Not causing the fray."

While Kerr acknowledged his team, led by outspoken Trump critics such as Curry, Kevin Durant, and Draymond Green, was unlikely to accept a White House invite, he hoped a civil, face-to-face discourse could be shared that maintained the possibility that the players could change their minds.

"I just think it’s important to recognize that we as a nation are far from perfect, and it’s our responsibility to try to make it better," Kerr said. "And one of the ways to do that is to promote awareness and understanding and acceptance. Not just acceptance but embracing our diversity, which when you get down to it is not only who we are but truly what makes us great."

Despite criticizing the Trump administration, Kerr finished his thoughts with a positive request.

"Respectfully, Mr. Trump, the point is this: You’re the president. You represent all of us. Don’t divide us. Bring us together."

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