Quick Read
- Steve Kerr described Minneapolis’s atmosphere as “bizarre” and “sad” after two fatal federal agent shootings.
- Kerr criticized media for “dividing by media for profit, by misinformation” amid national anger.
- WNBA MVP Breanna Stewart held an “Abolish ICE” sign, while Tyrese Haliburton called Alex Pretti’s death a “murder.”
- The NBA postponed the Warriors-Timberwolves game due to community unrest over the shootings.
- Pretti’s death followed Renée Good’s death weeks earlier, both by federal agents, sparking widespread protests.
MINNEAPOLIS (Azat TV) – Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr articulated a profound sense of sadness and disquiet in Minneapolis, describing the atmosphere as “bizarre” and “sad” following two fatal shootings by federal agents this month that have ignited widespread protests and drawn significant condemnation from the sports community.
Speaking after his team’s 111-85 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday, a game that had been postponed from Saturday due to community unrest, Kerr highlighted the somber mood. “Honestly what I felt was that their group was suffering,” Kerr stated, according to ESPN’s Anthony Slater. His comments came as athletes across various leagues used their platforms to speak out against the incidents, particularly the recent death of 37-year-old Alex Pretti.
Kerr Calls for Reflection Amidst Division
Steve Kerr, known for his outspoken stance on social issues, did not mince words regarding the broader societal implications of the events in Minneapolis. He expressed concern about national divisions, telling reporters, “My concern as an American, we’re not perfect. We’ve never been perfect. People are so angry.” Kerr attributed some of this division to the media, claiming, “We’re being divided by media for profit, by misinformation. It’s like we’re at each other’s throats right now.”
He empathized deeply with the city, noting a “pall that’s been cast over the city” and acknowledging that “a lot of people are suffering.” Kerr also explicitly labeled the earlier January 7 death of Renée Good, also 37, as a “murder,” a strong departure from official narratives. He confirmed discussions with Timberwolves coach Chris Finch led to their mutual agreement to postpone Saturday’s game to prioritize community safety, a decision supported by the NBA.
Athlete Activism Ignites Across Leagues
The protests in Minneapolis have galvanized athletes from across the professional sports landscape, transforming arenas and social media into platforms for advocacy. Breanna Stewart, a two-time WNBA MVP and co-founder of the Unrivaled league, held an “Abolish ICE” sign during player introductions before her Unrivaled matchup on Sunday, explaining her action by stating, “Everything that you see on Instagram and the news, we’re so fueled by hate right now, instead of love.”
Indiana Pacers star point guard Tyrese Haliburton took to X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday night, unequivocally declaring, “Alex Pretti was murdered.” Former Timberwolves star Karl-Anthony Towns also posted, calling the situation “heartbreaking to witness” and demanding “accountability, transparency, and protections for all people.” The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) released a statement vowing to “defend the right to freedom of speech and stand in solidarity with the people in Minnesota protesting and risking their lives to demand justice.” Even fans joined in, with supporters at a Professional Women’s Hockey League game in St. Paul chanting “ICE OUT” and holding a moment of silence for Pretti.
The Incidents Fueling Outcry
The immediate catalyst for the renewed protests was the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti on Saturday, January 24, by federal agents in Minneapolis. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated Pretti “approached” Border Patrol officers with a 9mm semiautomatic handgun, as reported by The New York Times. However, officials did not specify if he brandished the weapon, and multiple bystander videos of the incident appear to show Pretti with a phone in one hand, but no firearm. After a struggle, he was shot multiple times and died.
This incident followed the January 7 fatal shooting of Renée Good by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent. DHS claimed Good was shot in self-defense after she allegedly used her SUV to interfere with officers. These two deaths, occurring within weeks of each other amidst increased immigration enforcement by the Trump administration in Minnesota, have intensified calls for federal accountability and a reevaluation of immigration policies.
The widespread engagement of prominent sports figures like Steve Kerr, Breanna Stewart, and Tyrese Haliburton underscores the growing expectation for public figures to address significant social and political issues, especially when they impact the communities where their teams reside. Their collective voice amplifies the demands for transparency and accountability from federal agencies, signalling a notable shift in how major institutions and their representatives engage with civil unrest.