Andre Iguodala said what was already understood about Golden State head coach and current basketball analyst Mark Jackson’s inability to secure another NBA job since laying the foundation for Steve Kerr’s Warriors Dynasty.
Jackson has some strong religious beliefs that may not coincide with the all-inclusive society that we exist in and the platform the NBA embraces and promotes.
The 2015 NBA finals MVP believes Jackson has been blackballed from coaching in the NBA … and it’s all over his religious views.
Iguodala has played with the Warriors and won three championships since 2014. He spent one year under Jackson before the New York basketball legend was relieved of his duties and Steve Kerr finished the championship mission Jackson spear-headed.
Jackson was considered the leading candidate and the fan’s first choice to take over the Knicks coaching job last season. He got an interview, but the team chose to go with David Fizdale, a much less controversial figure when it comes to facilitating a strong relationship with New York’s powerful, outspoken, influential and affluent LGBTQ community.
Iguodala went on “The Breakfast Club,” and explained his theory on to Charlamagne tha God.
“One particular issue was — from what I heard — was his views on gender, or marriage, or what the bible said on your sexuality.”
Jackson has never faked jacks about his religious beliefs. He’s a devout Christian minister who would often live stream his church services to his congregation from the Warriors team facility.
Back in 2013, Jackson became public enemy No. 1, sort of speak, to the LGBTQ community when he made some controversial comments when NBA player Jason Collins came out as gay.
“As a Christian man, I have beliefs of what’s right and what’s wrong,” Jackson said at the time … “That being said, I know Jason Collins, I know his family, and am certainly praying for them at this time.”
Iguodala gave some further insight into the situation, saying that Jackson’s views offended Warriors exec Rick Welts — who’s openly gay — and the relationship between Mark and the team deteriorated from there.
Mark Jackson's perceived anti-gay stance may have cost him his job with the Warriors. http://t.co/yc4Ocpup4U
— Complex (@Complex) May 31, 2014
Jackson’s alleged intolerance spread around the league like wildfire and in this current climate, hiring a man with his strong views against gay lifestyles as the face of the franchise wouldn’t be beneficial to any team’s public image.
“There was conflicts with that that were widespread,” Andre said.
While Jackson’s beliefs fractured his relationship with the Golden State hierarchy on a personal level, his relationships with his former players remain strong and he’s very respected by players throughout the league.
It’s unfortunate that a brilliant mind and hoops icon like Jackson can announce the games but won’t be allowed to get anywhere near an NBA team. He’s one of the bright African-American coaching minds into the game and a proven franchise jump-starter.
