Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Steve Kerr's father and what happened to him?
Steve Kerr's father, Dr. Malcolm Kerr, was the president of the American University of Beirut. He was assassinated on January 18, 1984, when two Hezbollah gunmen shot him twice in the back of the head with a silenced revolver outside his office at College Hall.
Why did Dr. Malcolm Kerr take the job as president of AUB if it was so dangerous?
Dr. Kerr had dreamed of becoming president of AUB since he was a little boy, as his parents taught there for forty years. Despite knowing his life could be in danger, he took the job because he loved the university and wanted to build it into something special.
Who was responsible for the assassination of Dr. Malcolm Kerr?
A pro-Iranian underground group claimed responsibility for the assassination shortly after it happened. It was later discovered that the two gunmen were Hezbollah operatives acting on Iranian orders.
How did Steve Kerr get his scholarship to the University of Arizona?
Dr. Malcolm Kerr personally called Arizona head coach Lute Olson and asked if there was a scholarship available for his son, since Arizona was Steve's first choice. Olson then offered Steve the final available scholarship.
How did Steve Kerr respond on the court after his father's assassination?
Just two days after his father was killed, Steve Kerr played against rival Arizona State as a way to cope with the tragedy. He went five of seven from the floor, hit his first jumper from 25 feet, and helped Arizona pull off an upset win.