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An hour before the video of a Memphis police officer beating Tyre Nichols was released on Friday, the NBA-wide reaction had already begun.

Memphis Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins said before the team’s game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the team “sit and talk a lot about what happened and what’s going to happen.”

According to The Athletic, Jenkins added: I can’t wait to go back home and embrace those who have suffered the senseless loss of life in Memphis. ”

Earlier this month, police surveillance and body cameras captured officers shocking, pepper-spraying, kicking, punching, and wielding batons at an unarmed Nichols, who died three days later on January 10. I was. Authorities released the footage Friday night. , and the five currently dismissed officers face charges including second-degree murder, aggravated kidnapping and aggravated assault resulting from an incident that began as a traffic stop for what police said was reckless driving. ing.

NBA players, coaches and teams on Friday reacted to Nichols’ death in a way similar to previous episodes of police brutality against black men and women in recent years.

Presidents, Protesters, Athletes, Politicians Mourn Tyre Nichols

Security was added and a minute of silence was held before information was given ahead of Friday’s Grizzlies loss in Minneapolis. Jenkins said point guard Tyus Jones and rookie forward David Roddy helped lead the team’s discussion “about how we have to be leaders through this.” ‘s locker room was closed and the players were unable to speak to reporters, statement My condolences to the Nicholls family. Forward Jaren Jackson Jr. messaged her family on her Twitter, saying, “We are with you.”

“My teammates and I have been paying attention to the Nicholls family, and I have,” Jackson wrote. “We are with you. For Memphis, we are hurting too. Peaceful protest, supporting families and promoting accountability is what is needed right now.”

My teammates and I will always keep an eye on the Nichols family. we are with you

For Memphis, we are hurting too.

What is needed at this moment is peaceful protest, support for families, and the promotion of accountability. 🤎

—JJJ (@jarenjacksonjr) January 27, 2023

The National Basketball Players Association released a statement, saying, “The players mourn the loss of Tyre Nichols and extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to the Nichols family during this difficult time. The entire Memphis community mourns this horrific tragedy. We sincerely sympathize and support the justifiable arrests of all officers involved as we process and deal with them. We will continue to monitor the investigation and legal proceedings in pursuit of justice for Tyre and his family.”

“The NBA family remains committed to working with advocates, policy makers and law enforcement to work toward solutions to the problems we continue to face,” the league said in a statement. I am,” he said. The WNBA had a similar reaction.

Several teams also issued statements, including the Timberwolves, Miami, Heat, Atlanta Hawks, Cleveland Cavaliers and Milwaukee Bucks. , said “this is just crazy” before the question was asked.

Chris Paul of the Phoenix Suns posted on Twitter, “We can’t afford to lose our humanity as a society. To the Nichols family and the Memphis community, my heart is with you tonight.”

Change is needed on all levels and we all need to do our part. We cannot lose our humanity as a society.

To the Nichols family and the Memphis community, my heart is with you tonight.

— Chris Paul (@CP3) January 28, 2023

Ben Golliver of Los Angeles contributed to this report.

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