Steve Nash Responds to White Privilege Claims After Getting Nets Coaching Job

by Daryl Nelson

Stephen A. Smith said that Steve Nash getting the job as the Brooklyn Nets head coach was nothing but white privilege, something that Charles Barkley blasted Smith for.

Nash, a former player and consultant with the Golden State Warriors, responded to the claims during an interview with ESPN. He admitted that there's white privilege but said it didn't fully apply to his situation.

"I did skip the line, frankly," Nash admitted since he doesn't have any head coaching experience. "But at the same time, I think leading an NBA team for almost two decades is pretty unique. So while I haven't necessarily learned some of the skills that I'll definitely seek to understand and learn as far as the technical aspects of coaching, I was never far from that."

"I have benefited from white privilege," he continued. "Our society has a lot of ground to make up. I'm not saying this position was a factor, as far as white privilege ... I'm 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 I understand why it’s important to talk about it and that we need more diversity and more opportunity for African-American coaches and staff in all capacities."

Do you think Nash becoming the Brooklyn Nets head coach with no experience is white privilege or is it because he has a great basketball mind from his playing days?