NBA fans react to Doc Rivers co-chairing "Athletes for Harris" campaign: "Kamala blowing a 3-1 lead"

Doc Rivers was named one of the 10 co-chairs for vice-president and Democratic Party’s presidential nominee Kamala Harris’ “Athletes for Harris” campaign. The campaign announced Saturday that the Milwaukee Bucks coach is set to feature among the prominent athletes and sports personalities who will be part of ads run during sporting events ahead of the November election.

The campaign is set to run ads during college and professional games. The co-chairs are reportedly entrusted with recruiting athletes via fundraising events, social media and travel.

As usual, NBA fans had mixed reactions to the news. Some fans were critical of Doc Rivers' participation and brought up his playoff record where his teams are known to give up series leads.

“BREAKING: Trump wins election. (Doc blows his 15 billionth 3-1 lead),” another fan wrote.

“Not a good coach when he has a series lead. Here's hoping the designation is purely ceremonial,” a fan said.

The intersection of sports and politics is always interesting with some fans being against it as they want sports to remain free of any political influence. A few fans knew that Doc Rivers could face backlash for the decision but supported his decision nonetheless.

“Good for Doc. He knows some fans won't like it but he's doing the right thing,” a fan said.

“Athletes have a lot of followers hopefully many will vote for VP Harris,” another fan wrote.

Some fans were outright critical of Rivers’ participation.

“More reason to vote against her,” a fan said.

“Haven’t watched the NBA in about 5 years. It has become a completely politicized organization,” another added.

While some of Rivers’ focus is expected to go toward the “Athlete for Harris” campaign, he will have his hands full with the Bucks. Milwaukee is coming off a first-round series loss in the 2024 playoffs. With Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo leading the franchise, the pressure will be on them to deliver championships.

Who else is joining Doc Rivers in the “Athletes for Harris” campaign?

The “Athletes for Harris” campaign will have 10 co-chairs. Joining Rivers will be fellow NBA personalities: Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr, San Antonio Spurs guard Chris Paul and Hall of Famer Magic Johnson.

Here’s the list of the other six co-chairs:

• Thomas Booker, Philadelphia Eagles DT
• Billie Jean King, 12-time Grand Slam champion
• Ali Krieger, two-time Women's World Cup champion
• Dawn Staley, South Carolina head coach
• Candace Parker, three-time WNBA champion
• Ali Truwit, two-time Paralympic silver medalist