Watch: Why Warriors coach decided to make a political statement with wardrobe

Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr made a political statement with his wardrobe choice after winning the NBA playoff play-in game against the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday.

Kerr wore a Harvard University basketball T-shirt. He said in light of political developments, he supports academic freedom and the elite university’s standing up to bullies.

The Trump administration has frozen more than $2 billion in federal funding to the university demanding changes to the university’s hiring, admission and teaching practices to combat perceived antisemitism.

“(Harvard basketball coach) Tom Amaker is a friend of mine,” Kerr said at a post-game news conference. “He gave me the shirt, and it felt like a great day to wear it. I believe in academic freedom. I think it’s crucial for all of our institutions to be able to handle their own business the way they want to, and they should not be shaken down and told what to teach, what to say, by our government. That’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard, but it’s kind of par for the course right now.”

Tuesday’s win means the Warriors will be returning to the playoffs.

KTVU-Fox first reported on Kerr’s shirt.