In the wake of recent violence, the Minnesota Vikings, Wild, Timberwolves, Lynx, Twins, and Minnesota United FC joined together with tons of local companies that signed an open letter calling for state, local, and federal officers to come together to put an end to it.
The latest incident involving ICE officers occurred in Minnesota, where a man named Alex Pretti was shot and killed by an agent. It sparked protests in the state, and the Timberwolves’ matchup with the Golden State Warriors was postponed.
Now, all the sports teams in the state are trying to find a way to put things back right.
Minnesota sports, businesses denounce recent political violence
Minnesota became the epicenter of all the political conflict in the United States recently. The local sports teams couldn’t ignore it. They joined countless others in an open letter written to the government.
“With yesterday’s tragic news, we are calling for an immediate de-escalation of tensions and for state, local, and federal officials to work together to find real solutions,” the letter began. “We have been working for generations to build a strong and vibrant state here in Minnesota and will do so in the months and years ahead with equal and even greater commitment.”
The letter continued, “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 that enables families, businesses, our employees, and communities across Minnesota to resume our work to build a bright and prosperous future.”
Representatives from 3M, Allianz Life Insurance, Best Buy, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Ecolab, General Mills, Hormel, Land O’Lakes, Mayo Clinic, Piper Sandler, Target, UnitedHealth Group, Waytek, and the aforementioned sports teams all signed it.
NBAPA echoes the sentiment
The NBAPA, which is not located in Minnesota but represents all the basketball players who do, offered up its own statement in the wake of the violence and the ensuing protests.
“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 NBPA statement said via ESPN. “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.”
Warriors react
The game between the Warriors and Timberwolves eventually took place. Steve Kerr, one of the most outspoken coaches in the sport, had this to say. “My concern as an American, we’re not perfect,” Kerr said. “We never have been. But I think our ideals have been in the right place a long time, our values. No matter what side of the aisle you stand on, I think remembering the values that come with the constitution, that come with citizenship, the values of looking after each other, are so important right now because of the extremism we can feel.”
He called the game the most “bizarre” and “sad” contest he’s ever been a part of. The Warriors blew the Timberwolves out, but Kerr acknowledged that it must’ve been hard to play. “You could feel in the somber atmosphere, their team, we could tell, they were struggling with everything going on and what the city has been through,” he added.
Stephen Curry added that he appreciated seeing the turnout for the protests. “I got videos of my phone ,” the point guard admitted. “It was like three straight hours in negative-10 degree weather. It was beautiful to see that turnout and speaks to how important people felt it was to have their voice heard. They were out and it was amazing to watch.”
This is not the first time nor will it be the last time that sports teams speak up about issues, and it’s not the first time Kerr himself has done so. He’s commented on a lot since taking over as the coach of the Warriors.
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