Memphis Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins watched a televised interview on Friday of Tyre Nichols’ mom talking in regards to the lack of her son, and misplaced management of his feelings.
“I cried,” Jenkins mentioned.
The outrage, frustration, unhappiness and anger was evident across the NBA on Friday, the day that video was launched displaying how Nichols, a 29-year-old father, was killed by 5 Memphis cops. Several groups launched statements of assist for the household, as did the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association.
And the feelings across the league have been palpable, as has been the case so many occasions after so many different incidents of violence by police towards Black women and men in recent times.
“This is just crazy,” mentioned Miami coach Erik Spoelstra, who opened his pregame news convention on Friday by talking about Nichols earlier than any questions have been even requested.
The officers, all of whom are additionally Black, all face second-degree homicide prices, in addition to prices of aggravated assault, aggravated kidnapping, official misconduct and official oppression. And the Grizzlies performed a sport in Minneapolis — the town the place George Floyd, a Black man, was killed after a white police officer pressed his knee on Floyd’s neck in an act that sparked protests worldwide over police brutality and racism — on Friday evening with heavy hearts.
People march on whereas protesting the dying of Tyre Nichols on January 27, 2023 in New York City.
| Photo Credit: GETTY IMAGES
“The senseless loss of life for Tyre Nichols has really hit us hard,” Jenkins informed Bally Sports, the Grizzlies’ broadcast companion, in a pregame interview from Minnesota. “It’s been tough being on the road, not being home. I wish I could extend my arms through this camera right now to the family. They’re going through a lot.”
There was a second of silence earlier than the sport in Minnesota. And afterward, Jenkins continued talking out about what it means to the Grizzlies to signify Memphis at such a attempting time.
“There’s way harder things on in the city versus what’s going on with our basketball right now,” Jenkins mentioned after Memphis’ 111-100 loss in Minnesota. “I’m proud of our guys going out there. We’re playing with heavy hearts, but we’re also playing for our city that’s going through a lot right now.”
Several groups, together with Miami, Atlanta, Cleveland, Minnesota and Milwaukee, together with Memphis, launched statements.
“We are outraged by the deadly beating that Tyre Nichols received from five Memphis police officers,” the Bucks mentioned of their assertion. “While the police officers being charged for their heinous actions is an important step for justice, this incident further highlights the need for progress in improving police-community relations.”
The NBA launched its assertion about two hours after the video of Nichols’ dying was launched, whereas protests have been occurring in a number of cities in response to the pictures.
“The images of Tyre Nichols’ life needlessly cut short are horrifying,” the league mentioned. “While there have been steps toward accountability in this instance, the NBA family remains committed to partnering with advocates, policymakers and law enforcement to work toward solutions to the issues we continue to face.”
Nichols was on his means residence from taking footage of the sky on Jan. 7, when police pulled him over. He was only a few minutes from the house he shared together with his mom and stepfather.
Video of the killing was launched on Friday night.
“Our hearts go out to the entire Memphis community as they are processing and dealing with this horrible tragedy, and we stand by the rightful arrest of all officers involved,” the NBPA mentioned. “Such aggressive policing and excessive force illustrate the continued need for accountability in the justice system.”
The union mentioned it could “continue to monitor the investigation and legal proceedings in search of justice for Tyre and his family.”
Nichols’ mom, RowVaughn Wells, warned supporters of the “horrific” nature of the video however pleaded for peace.
Jenkins additionally mentioned he hopes residents of Memphis rally round each other.
“My words will only mean so much,” Jenkins mentioned. “I want to continue to encourage people to put their arms around each other, put their arms around the Nichols family, the Wells family to remember a beautiful life in Tyre Nichols — who I did not know, but I’m learning about.”
