OAKLAND – Warriors coach Steve Kerr walked into his pregame news conference Saturday afternoon, and before a question could be asked, reached out to the victims and families affected by the deadly Oakland fire.
“I want to start out today and offer our condolences to the victims of the Oakland fire,” Kerr said. “It’s just a devastating tragedy right here in the East Bay. It’s hard to comprehend. As an organization, we want to send our thoughts and prayers to the victims, their families, their friends and people who were injured.
“I don’t know if it means a whole lot – I should say I know it can’t cure the pain – but we’re thinking of you and the whole organization, the team and everybody here at Oracle tonight, when we have a moment of silence. We’re all with you out there, and we’re all devastated today.”
The fire occurred in a warehouse in the Fruitvale district, a couple miles from Oracle Arena. Early reports indicated at least nine fatalities, with as many as several dozen more still possible.
The Warriors not only had a moment of silence before the game against the Phoenix Suns, but also pledged a donation of $50,000 to support those affected by the fire.
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“When a tragedy of this magnitude hits this close to home, we feel it’s imperative to do our small part to help our community and those impacted,” said team president and COO Rick Welts. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims, their families and friends during this incredibly difficult time.”
