Masai Ujiri has been vindicated.
Way back in June 2019, the Toronto Raptors had just won the NBA title over the Golden State Warriors and chaos erupted as an Oakland police officer demanded to see Toronto Raptors President Masai Ujiri on-court access credentials.
That led to some sort of an altercation that was caught on camera.
In February 2020 and sheriff’s deputy Alan Strickland claimed that he was struck in the face and chest and was suing him as a result. “The suit, which seeks medical expenses, lost wages and other damages, also accuses the defendants of failing to “provide adequate safety and security to the public” and “failing to post signs warning of danger, including the danger of Masai Ujiri.”
Fast forward to August 2020 and Ujiri’s legal team has now released body cam footage that clearly shows the Alameda County sheriff’s deputy shoving the Toronto Raptors president twice in the chest.
Deputy Alan Strickland was “undeniably the initial aggressor,” according to attorneys representing Raptors president Masai Ujiri.
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Via KTVU:
“Ujiri did have credentials out; he was seen on the video tucking his badge into his suit pocket. He was thrilled and he was trying to rush down to congratulate his victorious team.
But Strickland tried to stop him, putting out his arm to block his path.
Strickland is seen in the high-definition security video pushing Ujiri in the chest, as an onlooker grabs at the deputy’s shoulder to calm him down. Strickland pushes him a second time.
At that point, Ujiri shoves the deputy back.
Strickland tells him to “back the f— up,” according to lawyers representing Ujiri.”
“Why did you push me?” Ujiri asks. “I’m the president of the Raptors.”
Strickland said in the lawsuit that he “suffered, and will continue to suffer, physical, mental, emotional, and economic injuries, including, but not limited to, lost wages, lost opportunity for financial gain, future earning capacity, and past and future medical care and expenses.”
Longer video:
