Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama ‘shocked’ by shootings in Minnesota
San Antonio Spurs standout Victor Wembanyama on Tuesday shared his perspective on two deadly shootings involving federal agents in Minnesota, stating that he is “horrified.”
The incidents involving Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, and Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, took place during a large-scale immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis, resulting in protests amid frigid temperatures and increased tensions between the community and law enforcement across the city.
When reporters inquired about the unrest, Wembanyama expressed some hesitation to comment, noting that he is not a U.S. citizen and recognized he was speaking contrary to the advice of the team’s public relations team.
“Yeah, PR has tried, but I’m not going to sit here and give some politically correct [answer],” the French player told reporters following practice at Victory Capital Performance Center. “Every day I wake up and see the news and I’m horrified. I think it’s outrageous that some people might suggest or imply that the killing of civilians is acceptable.”
Investigations into the fatal shootings of Pretti and Good are ongoing, and no charges have been brought in either case.
Wembanyama, 21, was questioned about the unrest in Minneapolis two days after the National Basketball Players Association issued a statement indicating that the league’s players can “no longer remain silent,” and one day after fellow French player Guerschon Yabusele of the New York Knicks shared his views on social media.
“I can’t stop thinking about the tragic events unfolding in Minnesota, and even though I’m French, I can’t remain silent,” Yabusele posted on X. “What’s happening is beyond comprehension. We’re talking about murders here, these are serious matters. The situation must change, the government must stop operating this way. I stand with Minnesota.”
Wembanyama praised his compatriot, expressing that he is “always proud of [people] speaking their minds.” He warned that Yabusele’s remarks “might have some price right now,” adding that “each and every one of us has to decide the price we’re willing to pay.”
“I read the news and sometimes I’m asking very deep questions about my own life,” Wembanyama stated. “But I’m also aware that expressing everything that’s on my mind would come at too great a cost for me right now. So, I’d prefer not to delve into too many specifics.”
Wembanyama affirmed “for sure” when asked if he feared consequences from discussing such a contentious issue.
“It’s terrible,” Wembanyama remarked. “I know I’m a foreigner. I live in this country, and I have concerns for sure. I think there’s enough information there for now. If privately, we can discuss it maybe later, but not right now.”
ESPN’s Anthony Slater and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
