Minnesota sports teams, players’ union urge calm after fatal agent-involved shootings
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NEW YORK — Five of Minnesota’s major professional franchises and the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) have added their voices to appeals for peace following two deadly shootings by federal agents in the state.
The Minnesota Vikings, Wild, Timberwolves, Lynx and Minnesota United FC signed an open letter released Sunday that asks state, local and federal authorities to “work together to find real solutions” in the aftermath of the deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Good. Both were shot during a wide-scale immigration enforcement operation that has triggered statewide protests.
“With yesterday’s tragic news, we are calling for an immediate de-escalation of tensions,” the letter states. It was also signed by leaders of dozens of Minnesota-based companies, including 3M, Best Buy, General Mills, Target, and UnitedHealth Group.
The NBPA issued its own statement Sunday, declaring that NBA players “can no longer remain silent” and pledging solidarity with demonstrators. “Now more than ever, we must defend the right to freedom of speech,” the union said while extending condolences to the families of Pretti and Good.
Rising unrest prompted the NBA to move Saturday night’s Timberwolves–Golden State Warriors game in Minneapolis to Sunday afternoon. Before tipoff, Warriors coach Steve Kerr urged Americans to “remember the values that come with the Constitution” during a wide-ranging pregame discussion about misinformation and political division.
Elsewhere in basketball, two-time WNBA MVP Breanna Stewart held an “Abolish ICE” sign during player introductions at an Unrivaled exhibition Sunday.
The corporate letter follows reports that some Minnesota businesses have suffered sales declines of up to 80% amid demonstrations and boycotts. Earlier this month, the state and the Twin Cities filed a lawsuit asking a federal judge to halt the enforcement surge, citing severe economic harm.
“In this difficult moment for our community, we call for peace and focused cooperation among local, state and federal leaders to achieve a swift and durable solution,” the signatories wrote.
Source: ESPN.com
