Minnesota squads and NBPA advocate for tranquility following recent shootings.
NEW YORK — The Vikings, Wild, Timberwolves, Lynx, and Minnesota United FC have joined numerous Minnesota-based organizations in signing an open letter urging collaboration among state, local, and federal officials following tensions arising from two fatal shootings by federal agents in the state.
The incidents involving Alex Pretti and Renee Good occurred during a significant immigration enforcement operation that has ignited protests across the state.
“In light of yesterday’s tragic events, we are advocating for an immediate reduction in tensions and for state, local, and federal authorities to collaborate in seeking genuine solutions,” the open letter states.
This letter aligns with other appeals from the sports community, including a statement from the National Basketball Players Association on Sunday, which emphasized that NBA players can “no longer remain silent.”
“Now more than ever, we must uphold the right to free speech and stand in solidarity with those in Minnesota who are protesting and risking their lives to seek justice,” the NBPA statement asserted. “The community of NBA players, much like the United States itself, is enriched by its global citizens, and we will not allow the forces of division to undermine the civil liberties that are intended to protect us all.”
The NBPA also expressed condolences to the families of Pretti and Good.
The NBA postponed Saturday’s matchup between the Timberwolves and Golden State Warriors in Minnesota to Sunday, citing the escalating unrest in the city following Pretti’s shooting. Prior to the teams’ rescheduled game on Sunday, Warriors coach Steve Kerr addressed the national situation.
“As an American, my concern is that we are not perfect,” he remarked. “We never have been. However, I believe our ideals have been fundamentally sound for a long time, our values. Regardless of political affiliation, it is crucial to remember the values associated with the constitution and citizenship, particularly the importance of caring for one another, especially in light of the extremism we are experiencing.
“People are filled with anger. There should be an appeal to our better nature to care for one another and to acknowledge the current circumstances. We are being divided by profit-driven media and misinformation. There is so much information that is challenging for all of us to reconcile.
“In such times, it is essential to rely on the values of who you are and who you aspire to be—whether as an individual or as a nation. That is what is so disheartening about this situation. We are at odds with one another right now. It is not simply a matter of declaring oneself right and the other wrong. Not in this current environment with the constant influx of news. … It is difficult to discern what is real and what is not, what is true and what isn’t. People are disputing the same footage—this occurred, no, that occurred.
“It is a perplexing time to exist and be an American. My appeal to everyone is to remember what our constitution represents, what our values are, and how that influences our treatment of one another.”
Two-time WNBA MVP Breanna Stewart also addressed the shootings, displaying an “Abolish ICE” sign during player introductions at Unrivaled on Sunday afternoon.
CEOs who signed the open letter on Sunday included 3M CEO William Brown, Best Buy CEO Corie Barry, General Mills CEO Jeff Harmening, Target incoming CEO Michael Fiddelke, UnitedHealth Group CEO Stephen Helmsley, among others.
Prior to the letter, many of the largest Minnesota-based companies had not made any public comments regarding the surge in enforcement and the resulting unrest.
However, the situation has become increasingly difficult to overlook. In the past two weeks, protesters have targeted certain businesses they perceive as not taking a strong enough stance against federal law enforcement actions, including Minneapolis-based Target. Earlier in January, a Minnesota hotel that refused to accommodate federal immigration agents later apologized, stating that the refusal contradicted its own policies after facing backlash online.
Meanwhile, the state of Minnesota and the Twin Cities have cited severe economic repercussions in a lawsuit filed this month, requesting a federal judge to stop the immigration operations. The lawsuit claimed that some businesses have reported sales declines of up to 80%.
“In this challenging time for our community, we urge for peace and focused collaboration among local, state, and federal leaders to achieve a prompt and sustainable solution that allows families, businesses, our employees, and communities throughout Minnesota to continue our efforts in building a bright and prosperous future,” the letter states.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
