Minnesota Sports Teams and Local Businesses Demand Solutions After Tragic Incidents
In the midst of the tension generated by two fatal shootings at the hands of federal agents in Minnesota, emblematic sports teams and numerous local companies have spoken out. The Minnesota Vikings, Wild, Timberwolves, Lynx, Twins, and Minnesota United FC joined dozens of Minnesota-based companies to sign an open letter. In this, they urge state, local, and federal authorities to collaborate in the search for concrete solutions to the delicate situation. The shootings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good occurred in the context of a major immigration law enforcement operation, which has led to protests across the state.This initiative joins other statements from the sports world. The NBA Players Association (NBPA) issued a statement on Sunday, where they stated that NBA players “can no longer remain silent.” In the statement, the NBPA extended its condolences to the families of Pretti and Good.“Faced with yesterday’s tragic news, we call for an immediate de-escalation of tensions and for state, local, and federal officials to work together to find real solutions,” reads the open letter.
Open Letter
The game on Saturday between the Timberwolves and the Golden State Warriors in Minneapolis was postponed until Sunday, due to the growing unrest in the city following the Pretti shooting. Before Sunday’s game, Warriors coach Steve Kerr and his Wolves counterpart Chris Finch agreed that the decision to postpone the game was mutual. Both coaches shared their reflections on the situation. Finch described Minnesota as “my home,” something that fills him with pride, while Kerr expressed his thoughts on the current situation in the country.“Now more than ever, we must defend the right to freedom of expression and stand in solidarity with the people of Minnesota who are protesting and risking their lives to demand justice,” reads the NBPA statement. “The fraternity of NBA players, like the United States, is a community enriched by its global citizens, and we refuse to allow the flames of division to threaten the civil liberties that are meant to protect us all.”
NBA Players Association
After the victory, Kerr described the game as “one of the strangest and saddest games” he had participated in. “You could feel in the somber atmosphere, their team, we could say, that they were struggling with everything that was happening and what the city has gone through,” he said. “It was a sad, a sad night. We got the victory, we are happy for that, but it’s hard to see so many people struggling. They came to the game to try to forget things, I suppose, but I don’t think anything disappeared for the city or their team. They were suffering.” Stephen Curry, Warriors star, commented that he was “glued to the television” on Saturday and asked for a more peaceful environment to be established. “I have videos on my phone [of the protests],” Curry said after the game. “It was like three hours straight with a temperature of minus 10 degrees. It was beautiful to see that participation and it speaks to how important people felt it was to make their voices heard. They came out and it was incredible to see them.” Breanna Stewart, two-time WNBA MVP, also spoke out about the shootings, displaying an “Abolish ICE” sign during player introductions at Unrivaled on Sunday afternoon. Karl-Anthony Towns, star of the New York Knicks, who spent the first nine years of his career playing for the Timberwolves, expressed his support for the community on social media, saying he is “with the people of Minnesota.”Among the CEOs who signed Sunday’s open letter are William Brown of 3M, Corie Barry of Best Buy, Jeff Harmening of General Mills, Michael Fiddelke, incoming CEO of Target, and Stephen Helmsley of UnitedHealth Group.“My concern as an American is that we are not perfect,” Kerr said before the Golden State victory. “We never have been. But I think our ideals have been in the right place for a long time, our values. No matter which side of the aisle you’re on, I think remembering the values that come with the constitution, that come with citizenship, the values of caring for each other, are so important right now because of the extremism we can feel.”
Steve Kerr, Golden State Warriors Coach
Before the letter, most of the largest companies based in Minnesota had not issued public statements about increased law enforcement and unrest. However, the issue has become more difficult to avoid. In the last two weeks, protesters have targeted companies they believe have not taken a strong enough stance against the activity of federal law enforcement, including Target, based in Minneapolis.
In early January, a Minnesota hotel that did not allow federal immigration agents to stay there apologized and said the refusal violated its own policies after a major online controversy.
Meanwhile, the state of Minnesota and the Twin Cities cited the devastating economic impacts in a lawsuit filed this month, imploring a federal judge to halt immigration operations. The lawsuit claimed that some businesses have reported sales drops of up to 80%.
“In this difficult time for our community, we ask for focused peace and cooperation between local, state, and federal leaders to achieve a quick and lasting solution that allows families, businesses, our employees, and the communities of Minnesota to resume our work to build a bright and prosperous future,” says the letter.
