For any and all reasons management desired, Steve Nash is the head coach of the Brooklyn Nets.
Since the hire was announced last week, many pundits in and around the NBA have weighed in, but perhaps the most strongly-judged comments were Stephen A. Smith's words that Nash getting the job was a prime example of white privilege.
Immediately, many came to Nash's "defense" to debunk that notion, including Charles Barkley, but Nash himself weighed in on it during his introductory press conference on Wednesday – noting that while he knows he has benefitted from white privilege, that narrative doesn't fit here.
"I have benefitted from white privilege. I'm not saying that was a factor in me getting this positon, "I'm not sure that this is an example that purely fits that conversation, but I own it, and I understand why there's a point to talk about it," Nash said. "Our society has a lot of ground to make up. As white people, we have to understand we are served a privilege and a benefit by the color of our skin, and we have a long way to go to find equality and social and racial justice. I hope I am a great ally to that cause."
Nash knows that he has two very big allies in that fight as well: Nets owners Joe & Clara Tsai.
"This is something that they have really made an incredible gesture to help, within our organization but also in our communities, to stem the gap in racial in justice. So I am very sensitive to the cause and the goal," Nash said. "It's interesting to be put in the middle of it in a sense, because it is something that is near and dear to my heart. But I accept it, I want to be a part of the conversation, and frankly I want to be a part of change going forward."
And Nash recognizes that the NBA, which has been at the forefront of the social justice movement and been the biggest sports platform for change, is where it is because of those in the fight.
"This league was built through African-American players and stars that have made this one of the greatest entertainment industries and businesses in sports in the world," Nash said. "And so it's really important that we continue to come together and fight. Commissioner Silver has been incredible in embracing the cause and the fight for equality, so want to be here to fight for that as well."
