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During his introductory press conference as head coach of the Brooklyn Nets, Steve Nash was asked about one of the conversations that ensued after he received the job despite his lack of coaching experience: that this move was an example of white privilege.
“Well, I have benefited from white privilege,” Brooklyn’s head coach said. “Our society has a lot of ground to make up. I’m not saying that this position (that) was a factor, as far as white privilege being a factor in this position.”
Nash elaborated on the matter of white privilege in the U.S., displaying his willingness to talk about those types of issues. Nets governor Joe Tsai thinks it’s important those conversations continue to take place.
“The example [Stephen A. Smith] uses in this particular case is misapplied, but having that conversation is important,” Tsai said to Yale students on a video call that was shared publicly on Friday (via Marc Berman of the New York Post). “So I think this is a very good example of, rather than just shouting at each other, we understand white privilege is an issue and needs to be talked about. But in this case, it doesn’t apply because Steve Nash is the best person for the job. But we’re not afraid to talk about it.”
Tsai also added that Nash’s handling of the issue in the press conference was “very sensible and sensitive,” and he further backed his new head coach:
Steve Nash is a two-time MVP — one of the most talented point guards that ever played basketball. It was an incredible get for us to be able to convince him to come in and coach our team. The problem is Steve Nash is white. In the context of social justice discussion in the nation, we came under a little bit of criticism.
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