Steve Kerr on Roy Moore’s loss: ‘Today is a really important day’

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Democrat Doug Jones’ Senate-race win in Alabama over Roy Moore, a Republican former judge accused of sexually assaulting teenage girls, was a big talking point during the Warriors’ video session Wednesday morning.

“I think today is a really important day,” said head coach Steve Kerr, who has fostered a locker-room environment built on discussion. “It’s all about high character and values, and the way you treat people. I don’t care if you’re a Democrat, Republican or independent, we put a known pedophile in the Senate, what would that have said about us?

“Let’s get to the point where this is all about us and not them. Leadership, character and morality. Let’s be better, and that was a good step.”

Shortly after it became evident that Jones would defeat Moore, Kerr tweeted “Roll Tide!” and “War Eagle!” — the rallying cries of Alabama’s two biggest state universities, Alabama and Auburn. Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Sweet Home Alabama” blared through speakers early in the Warriors’ practice.

“Decency needs to win out,” Kerr said. “This has nothing to do with party affiliation. It has to do with, we need high-character people in our positions of leadership. The more decisions we can make where we choose character over party, we choose country over party, the better off we’re going to be. I was very pleased.

“I think it’s a good sign. I think as a country, we need to get away from the partisan divide and start focusing on just quality people, get good people in positions of leadership, iron out our differences and promote unity and not try to separate this country. It’s critical.”

Center David West, an African American history buff, was pleased that black voters turned out in force to help elect Jones.

Democrat Doug Jones speaks Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2017, in Birmingham, Ala. In a stunning victory aided by scandal, Jones won Alabama's special Senate election, beating back history, an embattled Republican opponent and President Donald Trump, who urgently endorsed GOP rebel Roy Moore despite a litany of sexual misconduct allegations. (AP Photo/John Bazemore) less Democrat Doug Jones speaks Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2017, in Birmingham, Ala. In a stunning victory aided by scandal, Jones won Alabama's special Senate election, beating back history, an embattled Republican opponent ... more Photo: John Bazemore, STF Photo: John Bazemore, STF Image 1 of / 8 Caption Close Steve Kerr on Roy Moore’s loss: ‘Today is a really important day’ 1 / 8 Back to Gallery

“I thought going in it would be tough because there’s been a lot of voter suppression and a lot of things to make sure that votes wouldn’t get in,” West said. “I thought people on the ground did a good job of making sure everybody’s vote counted, and the folks that needed to vote were able to get to the polls and win the election.”

Connor Letourneau is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: cletourneau@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @Con_Chron