The Minnesota sports community has come together alongside several state-based companies in response to the ongoing tension following a pair of fatal shootings by federal agents.
The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce released anopen letter on behalf of more than 60 CEOs calling for state, local and federal officers to join forces and work as one.
The Timberwolves, Vikings, Lynx, Twins, Wild and Minnesota United FC were among the Minnesota-based sports teams represented with a signature on the letter.
The shootings of both Renee Good and Alex Pretti happened during a massive immigration enforcement operation that led to protests in the state.
Good was a 37-year-old mother of three who was killed on Jan. 7, and an investigation into her shooting has since led to the resignation of FBI agent Tracee Mergen.
Pretti, an ICU nurse, was shot and killed by Board Patrol agents on Saturday, Jan. 25.
‘With yesterday’s tragic news, we are calling for an immediate de-escalation of tensions and for state, local and federal officials to work together to find real solutions,’ the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce’s open letter reads.
Tragedy’s impact on NBA
From the sports world, the NBA has moved swiftly, postponing Saturday’s game between the Timberwolves and the Golden State Warriors in Minneapolis. The game was played on Sunday.
‘It totally agree with the decision,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr told reporters on Sunday. “Everything should be about the safety and concern for not only the players and the fans, but everybody here in Minneapolis with everything going on.’
The NBA Players Association also released a statement saying that its players can “no longer remain silent.”
Over the weekend, Breanna Stewart of the New York Liberty and Tyrese Haliburton of the Indiana Pacers have been among the professional basketball players to speak on the events in Minnesota.
Timberwolves hold moment of silence for Alex Pretti
The Timberwolves held a moment of silence for Pretti before their game Sunday against the Warriors, which was postponed in the wake of the shooting on Saturday.
It is the second moment of silence the basketball team has held, previously honoring Good with a moment of silence during a Jan. 8 game.
The moment of silence was punctuated by at least four shouts of “(expletive) ICE” from fans, as heard on video of the memorial posted on social media and reviewed by USA TODAY.
The moment of silence for Good was ended with a shout of “go home ICE,” followed by cheers.
University of Minnesota issues statement
The University of Minnesota, where Pretti was a 2011 graduate of the university’s College of Liberal Arts, issued a statement, asking that people ‘care for one another.’
Karl-Anthony Towns shares thoughts on Minnesota shootings
Karl Anthony-Towns spent the first nine seasons of his NBA career with Minnesota after he was selected with the first overall pick in the 2015 draft. He was traded to the New York Knicks on Oct. 2, 2024.
He shared his thoughts on the events in a city he’s previously referred to as his second home:
‘What is happening in the Twin Cities and the Great North Star State is heartbreaking to witness. These events have cost lives and shaken families — and we must call for accountability, transparency, and protections for all people. This moment demands that we reflect honestly on what our values truly are. My thoughts, prayers, and deepest condolences are with the families of Renée Good and Alex Pretti. I stand with the people of Minnesota.’
Anthony Edwards sends message to Minnesota community
Anthony Edwards, the current Timberwolves star, provided a message to the state following the loss to the Warriors on Sunday.
Golden State Warriors comment on current events
Kerr didn’t take much joy in the win and felt that the healing process was still underway in the city, just from thoughts still in attendance at the game.
“I thought the vibe in the stands, it was one of the most bizarre, sad games I’ve ever been a part of, you can feel it in the somber atmosphere,’ Kerr told reporters after the game.
Curry shared how he processed the last few hours since the game was originally postponed on Saturday.
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