by NBA teams across the country stood with the Grizzlies, the people of Memphis and the family and friends of Tire Nichols on Friday.
On Friday, Memphis police released body camera footage and street camera video of the Jan. 7 police interaction that led to Nichols’ death. Five Memphis police officers have been fired and charged with second-degree murder, aggravated assault, kidnapping, two counts of official misconduct and one count of official oppression in connection with Nichols’ death.
The last:Memphis releases footage of Tyre Nichols’ death as protests begin. Here’s what the videos show.
Ahead of the shooting, a statement from the Memphis Grizzlies read in part: “We are distraught to find ourselves dealing with an unnecessary loss of life due to police brutality, and this time it was one of Memphis’ own. We are thinking Nichols family and friends, and share the pain felt throughout the community.”
Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins spoke before the team’s game at Minnesota on Friday.
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“Our city is dealing right now with the loss of one of our own in Tire Nichols,” Jenkins said. – It is devastating.
“To the Nichols family, my teammates and I are and have been mindful,” Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. tweeted. “We’re with you. For Memphis, we’re hurting too. Peaceful protest, support for the family, push for accountability is what’s needed at this moment.”
The Timberwolves released a statement supporting the Grizzlies and the city of Memphis, as did other NBA teams.
“We extend our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies to Tyre’s family, friends, loved ones, the Memphis community and communities across the country during this difficult time,” the Timberwolves said Friday.
“We stand with Memphis,” the Atlanta Hawks tweeted Friday. “#JusticeForTyre.”
The Cleveland Cavaliers released a statement: “We grieve with Tyre Nichols’ loved ones and offer them our deepest sympathy as they struggle with the pain of his heinous and brutal murder. Our hearts also go out to the city of Memphis. As they continue their investigation into the events that led to Tyre’s tragic and untimely death, we are encouraged by the swift response of Police Chief Cerelyn Davis. We, along with city officials and Tyre’s family, pray for peace and offer them our support on the road to healing.”
“Humanity is a right and not a privilege — one he was denied by five rogue law enforcement officers,” the Miami Heat said in a statement. “While we are encouraged by the dual efforts of the Memphis Police Chief and the district attorney’s office to take swift action, this tragic case underscores that holding accountable those who abuse their power is the first step to ending abuse of power.”
