Donald Trump’s return to the White House has been anything but quiet, and his latest move targeting Harvard University is drawing backlash, including from one of the NBA’s most outspoken voices: Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr.
After the Warriors clinched the seventh seed in the Western Conference Play-In Tournament, Kerr stepped into his postgame press conference wearing a Harvard basketball shirt. It wasn’t just a fashion statement—it was a direct show of support for the university amid Trump’s controversial push to reshape higher education policy.
The Trump administration recently froze over $2.2 billion in federal research funding and $60 million in contracts to Harvard. They also threatened to revoke the school’s tax-exempt status and ability to host international students unless it dismantles DEI programs, alters hiring practices, and increases cooperation with immigration authorities.
Known for using his platform to speak on social and political issues, Kerr didn’t hold back when asked about the shirt.
“I believe in academic freedom,” he said. “It’s crucial for our institutions to operate independently, without government telling them what to teach or how to think. That’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard—but it fits with what we’re seeing right now.”
The gesture sparked conversation, and Kerr quickly found support across various circles. Actor Dondré Whitfield—father of Bronny James’ girlfriend Parker—praised him on social media, saying, “Love Steve Kerr as a coach, but even more as a stand-up man! Great job, my brother!”
Steve Kerr and the NBA against Donald Trump
Steve Kerr isn’t alone. Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer also backed Harvard and the principle of educational autonomy. In an open letter to Education Secretary Linda McMahon, Ballmer urged the department to stop scaling down, emphasizing that shrinking resources robs parents of vital data needed to guide their children’s futures.
.@EdSecMcMahon, the future of US education is on the line. Without solid data, we can’t measure what’s working — or fix what’s not. Real efficiency is driven by facts, not guesswork. That’s why the critical work of the National Center for Education Statistics must continue. pic.twitter.com/67E2LLA424
— Steve Ballmer (@Steven_Ballmer) April 14, 2025
Both Kerr and Ballmer are using their platforms to push back against what they view as federal overreach. Their influence extends beyond the basketball court, rallying fan bases and public figures alike to speak up for institutional freedom and integrity. With their voices echoing across sports and education, the ball is now in Donald Trump’s court to respond to this growing wave of dissent.
For more basketball content, click on Hardwood Heroics. Sabel Reyes can be reached through [email protected]. Other websites under the Sports Heroics umbrella are Gridiron Heroics and Wisconsin Heroics.
Sabel has been working as a field reporter for People’s Television Network (PTV), mainly about the Philippine Basketball Association since 2016 and has been elevated to Executive Producer for sports in 2022. Aside from being on top of the Philippine sports scene, she is also a running enthusiast. You can also follow her on X at @SabelReyes2 and Instagram at @msabelreyes.
