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The National Basketball Players Association voiced support on Sunday for protesters in Minneapolis rallying against a crackdown by U.S. federal immigration authorities.
There have been ongoing clashes in Minneapolis between demonstrators and those officers, sent by U.S. President Donald Trump to various Democrat-run cities, which has resulted in fatal shootings of two people — the most recent being the death of 37-year-old Alex Pretti on Saturday.
In a statement on Sunday, the NBPA, the union which represents the league’s basketball players, said “NBA players can no longer remain silent.”
“Now more than ever, we must defend the right to freedom of speech and stand in solidarity with the people in Minnesota protesting and risking their lives to demand justice,” the statement read.
“The fraternity of NBA players, like the United States itself, is a community enriched by its global citizens, and we refuse to let the flames of division threaten the civil liberties that are meant to protect us all.”
The NBA postponed a game in Minneapolis between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Golden State Warriors on Saturday following Pretti’s killing, citing the need to “prioritize the safety and security” of the community.
The game was rescheduled for Sunday evening, and featured a moment of silence for Pretti before tip-off.
Some players reacted to Pretti’s death on social media, with Tyrese Haliburton of the Indiana Pacers writing on X that he was “murdered” and Kyle Anderson of the Utah Jazz — a former Timberwolves player — posting a story on his Instagram calling for justice.
Two weeks ago, Renee Good, also 37, was fatally shot by a federal officer while in her SUV in a residential neighbourhood south of downtown Minneapolis. The Timberwolves held a moment of silence for Good before their game the following night.
