by The NBA world reacted Friday to the release of videos showing the preceding traffic delay on January 7th Death of Tire Nicholswho spent three days in the hospital before succumbing to his injuries.
In the videos, police allegedly used pepper spray on Nichols while punching and kicking the 29-year-old, leaving him bloodied and dazed.
A view of a tribute to Tire Nichols prior to the start of the game between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center on January 27, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Tire Nichols, a 29-year-old black man, died three days after he was severely beaten by five Memphis Police Department officers during a traffic stop on January 7, 2023.
(David Berding/Getty Images)
The brutal encounter led to the dismissal of five cops from Memphis who are now charged, including second-degree murder.
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For the Memphis Grizzlies, Nichols’ death came near home as the team prepared to take it with him Minnesota Timberwolves Friday night in Minneapolis.
Before the game and before the release of the video, Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins provided his thoughts as his team prepared for the game.
“The senseless loss of life for Tire Nichols has hit us really hard,” Jenkins said. “And it was tough being out and not being home. And I wish I could reach out to family through this camera right now. You go through a lot.”
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Jenkins said he saw a television interview by Nichols’ mother earlier in the day discussing her son’s death and said it made him cry.
Head coach Taylor Jenkins of the Memphis Grizzlies watches the fourth quarter against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on January 14, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
(Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
“Unfortunately we are here again. The loss of life to police brutality is something that cannot be imagined,” Jenkins continued. “As the head coach of this team, we’re trying to get everyone to understand the responsibility we have in going beyond basketball. This is a stark reminder of where we stand in uniting our city. Our city has a great soul. Our town has great love for each other.”
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“This is obviously a difficult moment for our city to deal with, deal with, deal with and recover. But we’ll get through it. I know the family watching this interview today will get through it. But we’re going to do this with a heavy heart, but also remembering a beautiful life that has been lost. And hopefully we can celebrate that life and proudly remember the life of Tire Nichols. Proudly represent our city.”
Memphis Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins looks on during the game against the Golden State Warriors at the Chase Center on January 25, 2023 in San Francisco, California.
(Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
A minute’s silence was observed before the game began The NBA released a statement.
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“The images of Tire Nichols’ life, unnecessarily curtailed, are chilling. While there have been steps toward accountability in this case, the NBA family remains committed to working with attorneys, policymakers and law enforcement to work on solutions to the issues we are facing,” the NBA said. “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Mr. Nichols, the entire Memphis community and those affected by these tragic images and loss.
