‘Ashamed’ Tim Cone says US leadership built ‘despicable’ racist culture

MANILA, Philippines — Former Philippine team coach Tim Cone was among the latest to express his disgust toward racism particularly in the United States after the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

The 46-year-old Floyd, an unarmed black man, died last week after a policeman knelt on his neck for almost nine minutes while he was handcuffed.

The incident, the latest depiction of police brutality against people of color in the US, sparked Black Lives Matter protests in many cities in the country. Riots have also erupted in various cities as protesters clashed with the police.

For the American mentor, it all boils down to leadership.

“All coaches/leaders develop a culture—good or bad, sometimes great, all of which reflect a team’s success,” Cone, the most celebrated coach in the history of the Philippine Basketball Association with 22 championships, tweeted Tuesday.

“The leadership of the U.S. has developed such a horrendous, despicable culture that it has led the country to hate, division and racism. I’ve never been more ashamed. #BLM (Black Lives Matter).”

On Monday, Gabe Norwood spearheaded a protest by Filipino-American PBA players on their social media platforms by taking a knee and holding a sign that read: “Could’ve been me. #JusticeforGeorgeFloyd.”

Bending on one knee, which was made famous by former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick, has become a symbol in the fight against racial injustice.

NBA stars such as Karl-Anthony Towns, Trae Young, Jaylen Brown and Jordan Clarkson to name a few have also joined in rallies denouncing racism.