MINNEAPOLIS (UNITED STATES), 28 Jan. (dpa/EP) –
The NBA, as well as coaches and players from the North American professional basketball league, have expressed their dismay at the death of the African-American citizen Tire Nichols, after the publication of video images confirming that his death was due to an act of police violence. .
“The images of Tire Nichols’ life needlessly cut short are horrifying. While steps toward accountability have already been taken, the NBA family remains committed to working with attorneys, policymakers, and law enforcement to find solutions to problems. that we continue to face,” the NBA said in a statement.
Nichols died on January 7 during a police checkpoint in Memphis after police officers punched and kicked him. The five police officers have already been charged and removed from service.
The Memphis Grizzlies played this Friday in Minneapolis, in the city where a black man, George Floyd, also died as a result of police violence in 2020. Before the game between the Timberwolves and the Grizzlies, Memphis coach Taylor Jenkins, showed his regret. “The senseless death of Tire Nicholas has affected us greatly. I wish I could extend my arms across the chamber to the family,” he said.
A minute of silence was observed before the game. Behind him, Grizzlies player Jaren Jackson Jr. addressed Nichols’ family on Twitter. “We are with you. Protesting peacefully, supporting the family and pressing for accountability is important at this time,” he wrote.
The NBA Players Union stated that “such aggressive and excessive use of force by police continues to illustrate the need for accountability in the justice system.” Phoenix Suns player Chris Paul, who is also president of the players union, wrote on Twitter: “Change is needed at all levels, we all have to do our part. We cannot lose our humanity as a society.”