The Warriors in the lead-up to tomorrow's midterm elections have "tried to do their part by collaborating with 'Rock The Vote,'" the non-profit that aims to "increase voter turnout and voter registration by partnering with various public figures," according to Mark Medina of the San Jose MERCURY NEWS. Warriors coach Steve Kerr before and after the team's game against the T'Wolves on Friday wore a T-Shirt "with an emblazoned message: 'Vote for Our Lives.'" Warriors G Stephen Curry also "had a message on the front of his sweatshirts and its sleeves: 'I am a Voter.'" Their attire "symbolized their efforts in galvanizing voters to the booth." Elsa Collins, the wife of Warriors assistant coach Jarron Collins and a member of Rock the Vote's athlete advisory council, before the season "sought the Warriors’ interest given the team’s outspokenness" on President Trump "as well as on social justice issues." So during training camp, Rock the Vote officials and Kerr "outlined the importance to the organization about voting." Rock the Vote and Warriors officials said that they "registered seven Warriors players, two assistant coaches and a dozen other staff members." Though data was "not readily available, Rock the Vote officials believe the Warriors’ interest have prompted their fans to register." The team "released a PSA during its season opener that encouraged voter turnout" (San Jose MERCURY NEWS, 11/5).
WADING INTO THE ACTION: In Ft. Lauderdale, Ira Winderman notes Heat G Dwyane Wade has made his political statement "part of his wardrobe," having worn an "I am a voter" hat and hoodie at various points during a recent road trip. Wade said there are a "lot of people who like to complain about things," and voting provides an "opportunity to be a part of that change if you don't like something." He said that there has been "no measuring his statements." Wade on brands he endorses possibly being impacted by his political and civic views: "I don't weigh that" (South Florida SUN SENTINEL, 11/5).
COACH SPEAK: In San Antonio, Tom Orsborn noted Spurs coach Gregg Popovich "issued an impassioned plea Saturday for voters to side with Democratic Rep. Beto O'Rourke over Republican Sen. Ted Cruz." The plea came "one day after he wore a cap emblazoned with 'Beto' to practice." Popvich called O'Rourke a "special guy" (SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS, 11/4). THE HILL's Aris Folley noted Popovich's political statement comes a week after Lakers F LeBron James "donned a similar 'Beto' hat" before a game against the Spurs last Saturday (THEHILL.com, 11/3). ESPN.com's Malika Andrews noted in the '16 presidential election, black voter turnout fell 7% compared to '08, and that trend is a "driving reason that Clippers coach Doc Rivers has begun wearing an 'I am a voter' pin on his suit jacket during games." Rivers said, "We've lost the light on how hard it was just to be able to vote. It really upsets me. It's something we have to do. We have to register, and then we have to go vote." Pistons coach Dwane Casey also "doesn't take the responsibility lightly." Casey: "It was not too long ago that African-Americans didn't have that opportunity" (ESPN.com, 11/5).
PLAYER ENDORSEMENTS: USA TODAY's Jarrett Bell notes Saints LB Demario Davis is "campaigning for voters to pass Louisiana Amendment 2" tomorrow, which "would scrap the '10-2' system -- it takes only 10 of 12 jurors to vote guilty for a felony conviction to be secured -- and represent a huge step toward reducing the chances that innocent people are wrongfully convicted." Davis said, “In a nation where you’re innocent until proven guilty, we need to make sure that people are allowed their due process" (USA TODAY, 11/5). USA TODAY's Bill Theobald notes Peyton Manning "gave $5,400" to Republican House candidate Anthony Gonzalez (Ohio), who was Manning's teammate on the Colts from '07-11 (USA TODAY, 11/5).
