Chris Finch’s voice cracked and faltered as the coach expressed on behalf of the Minnesota Timberwolves their grief over the collective fear and pain the community feels due to the ongoing crackdown on immigration, following the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Alex Peretti by a federal officer.
Finch brings a direct, no-nonsense style in his public statements and rarely reveals much emotion, but he was clearly affected by the situation in Minneapolis before his team hosts Golden State on Sunday. The game between the Timberwolves and Warriors was postponed for 24 hours, after Pretty was killed on Saturday.
“I’m more than just a resident,” said Finch, who was hired by the Timberwolves five years ago. “This is my home. I love living here. I love being a part of this community. I’ve been embraced since day one. The people have been amazing. It’s sad to watch what happens.” “On a human level, certainly as someone who takes pride in being here, I know a lot of our players feel the same way. They all love being here, and it’s hard to watch what we’re going through.”
The Timberwolves held a moment of silence for Preity before the national anthem, just as they did for Renee Goode before the game on Jan. 8, the day after she was fatally shot by a federal officer. The Trump administration in December launched what the Department of Homeland Security said was the largest immigration enforcement operation in history, and earlier this month announced a surge of officers to more than 2,000 personnel.
The NBA announced Saturday that the decision to reschedule was made to “prioritize the safety and security of the Minneapolis community” after Peretti was killed during a confrontation in a commercial area less than two miles south of Target Center. The Timberwolves pushed for the postponement to respect the public grieving process, Finch said Sunday.
“Playing basketball didn’t seem like the right thing to do,” Finch said, thanking the NBA and the Warriors for their support.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr, long one of the league’s most outspoken coaches, appeared calm but visibly moved when he expressed his sympathy.
“This has always been a great stop on the NBA tour,” Kerr said. “I love the city of Minneapolis. The people here are great, and what’s happening is so sad. I feel for the city. There’s a darkness hanging over the city. You can feel it. A lot of people are suffering, and obviously the loss of life is the No. 1 concern. These families will never get their family members back.”
Tens of thousands of people gathered in downtown Minneapolis on Friday to protest the tactics and presence of immigration officers, a crowd the Warriors could see from their hotel as they moved toward Target Center. A smaller protest march took place in the city center before Sunday’s match.
There were plenty of other voices raised throughout the sports world on Sunday. Women’s basketball star Brianna Stewart carried a sign reading “abolish ICE” during introductions at the League Like No Other game. Minnesota Frost fans chanted during a PWHL game “Get out now!” The NBA Players Association issued a statement in support of the protests in Minnesota and urged its members to speak up.
In a polarized country, views differ widely on what constitutes a constitutionally protected protest and what turns into violent political unrest, and Kerr seemed to sense that tension when he spoke before the game on Sunday.
“People are so angry,” Kerr said. “There has to be a call to our better angels to care for each other and acknowledge what is happening. We are divided by the media for profit, and by misinformation. There are so many things that it is difficult for all of us to reconcile.” “So in times like these you have to rely on values and who you are and who you want to be, whether as an individual or a country.”
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