Toronto Raptors president Masai Ujiri released a declaration Thursday saying that a 2019 altercation with a sheriffs deputy– minutes after his team won the NBA Finals– was racially motivated.
In his first public comments considering that brand-new video was released Tuesday showing the incident in between Ujiri and Alameda County (Calif.) sheriffs deputy Alan Strickland, Ujiri thanked those who “revealed dissatisfaction and concern” over what is seen in the footage.
” The video unfortunately demonstrates how horribly I was dealt with by a law enforcement officer last year in the middle of my group, the Toronto Raptors, winning its first world champion,” Ujiri said Thursday..
” … Yet, regrettably, I was advised in that minute that despite all of my tough work and success, there are some people, consisting of those who are supposed to safeguard us, who will always and just see me as something that is not worthy of considerate engagement. And theres only one unassailable reason that is the case– because I am Black.”.
New video: Deputy pushed Ujiri throughout altercation at NBA Finals.
Viewpoint: Ujiri owed apology from police over NBA Finals assault.
The video shows the minutes right after the Raptors clinched their first-ever NBA championship and includes body camera footage, in addition to security video. In it, Ujiri is seen walking toward the constables deputy as he tries to join his team to celebrate. Ujiri reaches into his suit jacket to show his team credential when Strickland pushes Ujiri and chews out him to “back the (expletive) up.”.
Ujiri then recognizes himself as “the president of the Raptors” and tries to reveal his credential, however Strickland shoves him a second time. Ujiri then shoves Strickland prior to other arena security steps in and Ujiri is permitted onto the court.
The video footage was released as part of a countersuit submitted by Ujiri. Strickland submitted a federal suit in February declaring that Ujiri attacked him “and hit him in the face and chest with both fists.”.
Strickland stated in the lawsuit that he “suffered, and will continue to suffer, physical, psychological, emotional, and economic injuries, consisting of, however not restricted to, lost salaries, lost chance for monetary gain, future earning capacity, and previous and future medical care and expenses.”.
In October, the Alameda County District Attorneys Office announced it would not push charges against Ujiri after Sheriff Greg Ahern at first sought to charge him with battery of a peace officer.
“Because Im the president of an NBA team, I had access to resources that ensured I could battle and require for my justice. Many of my sisters and siblings havent had, do not have, and wont have the same access to resources that ensured my justice.
Contributing: Matt Eppers.
… Yet, sadly, I was reminded in that minute that in spite of all of my hard work and success, there are some individuals, consisting of those who are expected to secure us, who will constantly and just see me as something that is not worthy of considerate engagement. The video shows the moments right after the Raptors clinched their first-ever NBA champion and includes body cam video footage, as well as security video. Ujiri reaches into his suit coat to show his group credential when Strickland shoves Ujiri and yells at him to “back the (expletive) up.”.
“Because Im the president of an NBA group, I had access to resources that ensured I might fight and demand for my justice.
