The Minnesota Timberwolves returned to NBA competition under a cloud of community grief following the second fatal shooting of a U.S. citizen by federal agents in Minneapolis within three weeks. The emotional toll was palpable as coaches and players struggled to balance professional obligations with civic trauma.
Timberwolves coach Chris Finch delivered an emotionally charged statement before Monday’s rescheduled game against the Golden State Warriors, describing the organization as ‘heartbroken’ by the recent violence. ‘For the second time in less than three weeks we’ve lost another beloved member of our community in the most unimaginable way,’ Finch told reporters, referencing the deaths of 37-year-old ICU nurse Alex Pretti and 37-year-old Renee Good, both killed in separate incidents involving federal immigration enforcement.
Golden State coach Steve Kerr, whose own father was assassinated in 1984, expressed profound sympathy for Minneapolis residents. ‘There’s a pall that has been cast over the city. You can feel it,’ Kerr stated. ‘When all the unrest settles down, those family members won’t be returning home and that’s devastating.’
The NBA Players Association issued a formal statement condemning the violence and expressing solidarity with Minneapolis protesters. ‘Following the news of yet another fatal shooting in Minneapolis, a city that has been on the forefront of the fight against injustices, NBA players can no longer remain silent,’ the union declared, emphasizing their commitment to protecting civil liberties for all community members.
WNBA champion Breanna Stewart made a powerful symbolic gesture during her Unrivaled league game in Florida, holding a sign reading ‘Abolish ICE’ during player introductions. ‘When human lives are at stake it’s bigger than anything else,’ Stewart explained, noting that her wife, retired Spanish basketball player Marta, is currently navigating the U.S. citizenship process. ‘We’re so fueled by hate right now instead of love.’
The sporting community’s response extended to social media platforms, where Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton directly labeled Pretti’s death as ‘murder’ while former WNBA player Brianna Turner declared that defenders of immigration enforcement ‘will forever be on the wrong side of history.’