Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr is preparing his team to face the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday night. The Warriors lead the series 2-0. Kerr held a press conference on Tuesday morning to answer questions from reporters but started by taking a moment to offer his condolences to San Francisco 49ers great Dwight Clark's family.
"Before I start, I want to send condolences to Dwight Clark's family," Kerr said. "All of us with the Warriors are thinking about Dwight, and his life, and his impact in the Bay Area. I personally did not know him, I did not meet him, but I'm friends with several of his 49er teammates, and I know how devastated they are.
"Such a sad day for all of us who are thinking about the family. I just wanted to pass that along before we get going (with the press conference)."
Steve Kerr offers condolences to Dwight Clark's family before beginning #NBAFinals press conference. #Warriors #49ers. pic.twitter.com/AY0Z2P1Z1U
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) June 5, 2018
Clark, the two-time Pro Bowl selection and two-time All-Pro who spent nine seasons with the 49ers from 1979 through 1987, passed away on Monday after a courageous battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). He was 61 years old.
On Monday, San Francisco Giants manager Bruce Bochy shared his thoughts on the passing of the Bay Area icon.
"What a great guy," Bochy said. "A fun guy to be around. Just enjoyed life. We did a shootout together, the Giants and 49ers, at Pebble Beach. I know he loved baseball. We were talking about him coming into the dugout when he was diagnosed. Unfortunately, it didn't happen. I know he's going to be sorely missed. It's a sad day today."
The Oakland Raiders also offered their condolences via Twitter.
The Raiders extend heartfelt condolences to Dwight Clark's family, friends and the 49ers Faithful following his courageous battle with ALS.
— OAKLAND RAIDERS (@RAIDERS) June 5, 2018