Steve Nash reacts to claims white privilege helped him get Nets job

Steve Nash recognizes he ‘did skip the line’ by getting Nets’ head coaching job, but he does not see this as an example of white privilege.

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As Steve Nash addressed a list of subjects in his introductory press conference as head coach of the Brooklyn Nets, the Hall of Fame point guard admitted to two things on Wednesday, “I have benefited from white privilege,” and “I understand I did skip the line [by being named Brooklyn’s head coach].”

However, Nash does not feel him getting the Nets job is an example of white privilege as some have claimed.

“I’m not saying that this position (that) was a factor, as far as white privilege being a factor in this position,” Nash said.

At the same time, Nash understands why that claim has been made.

“Our society has a lot of ground to make up,” he said. “But, I think as white people we have to understand that we are served a privilege and a benefit by the color of our skin in communities, and we have a long way to go to find equality and social and racial justice. I hope that I am a great ally to that cause. This is something Clara and Joe Tsai have really made an incredible gesture to help within our organization, but also in our communities to help step the gap in racial injustice. So, I am very sensitive to the cause and the goal. I’m not sure that this is an example that purely fits that conversation. But I own it and understand why that’s important to talk about it and that we do need more diversity and more opportunity for African American coaches and staff in all capacities. This league was built through African American players and stars that have made this one of the greatest entertainment industries, businesses in sports and the world.

“So, it’s really important that we continued to come together and fight to get the league level. Commission [Adam] Silver has been incredible in embracing the cause and the fight for equality. I want to be here to fight for that, as well. It’s interesting being such a supporter and ally of all that, that need for equality, to be put in the middle of it in this sense because it is something that is near and dear to my heart. But I accept it. I want to be part of the conversation. Frankly, I want to be part of change going forward.”

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