The NBA has postponed Saturday night’s game between the Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves in reaction to federal agents killing Minneapolis ICU nurse Alex Pretti, per Shams Charania of ESPN. Multiple videos have emerged showing a gang of federal agents killing a legal observer. The AP reported Pretti’s identity and profession. He was a 37-year old resident of south Minneapolis.
The agents tackle the person to the ground and immediately restrain them. The person was obviously subdued with their hands away from their body, but was shot and killed. It has many similarities to the murder of Renee Good 17 days ago, another legal observer killed by federal agents on video. Both killings were perpetrated by federal agents in Minnesota as part of a full-scale attack on the city by ICE and other immigration officials.
The league released a statement shortly following Charania’s report. However, the statement does not mention ICE or the killing. The statement says, “The decision was made to prioritize the safety and security of the Minneapolis community.” The NBA refuses to offer even the most minimal criticism of the government of in a moment that needs real resistance.
It is unclear at the moment whether the move was prompted in response to calls from players, or if the league office is acting independently. However, the fairly empty statement suggests the league was responding to local politicians who are likely concerned about rebellions erupting in reaction to the killing.
Still, the game is currently rescheduled for tomorrow night at 5:30 pm Eastern, leaving space for players to refuse to return to the court and call for further action. NBA players refused to play following the police killing of Jacob Blake in 2020, and contemplated a wildcat strike to shutdown the season entirely at the time. However, the NBA and its players has largely turned its backs on the political movements and activism that many used to amplify their voices in 2020.