Sacramento Kings Owner To Protesters Of Stephon Clark Shooting: ‘We Are All United’

Sacramento Kings owner Vivek Ranadive addressed a small crowd inside Golden1 Center after fans caused the team’s game to be delayed by protesting the fatal police shooting of an unarmed black man in the city over the weekend.

Kings owner’s comments on Sacramento protests

Fans surrounded the Kings’ arena and held up signs that read “Shut it down” and other similar messages to express anger over the shooting of 22-year-old Stephon Clark on Sunday.

Ranadive voiced his condolences to Clark’s family, and also acknowledged the franchise’s role as a community leader.

The GM said of the team and community, “we are all united in our commitment.”

The Kings’ game was delayed for about 20 minutes. Scores of police officers attempted to clear entrances, some of which were blocked by fans. No apparent violence took place at the protest.

NBA officials considered postponing or canceling the Kings’ game against the Atlanta Hawks, but the league ultimately decided to simply delay it.

“Basketball was secondary tonight,” Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer said. “The league obviously made the decision that I think was in the best interest of the safety of the fans that were already in the arena. I think it was the right decision by the league but certainly not an easy one.”

All-Star Vince Carter lauded and reiterated Ranadive’s comments.

“What Vivek said speaks volumes,” Carter said. “Regardless of your skin color, it’s just what’s right and what’s wrong and how we can support each other, even if it has nothing to do with you. Lend a hand and support. That’s the message that needs to shine through all of this.”

Officers fired at Clark more than 20 times and hit him several times on Sunday. The youngster was in his grandmother’s backyard holding an iPhone, and police — who said they were responding to reports of a man who had broken multiple windows — reportedly mistook Clark’s phone for a gun.

The footage of the shooting — which was captured by two officers’ body cameras and a helicopter — was released on Wednesday. The pair of policemen were put on paid leave while the department launches a probe.

WASHINGTON, DC – NOVEMBER 28: Matt Barnes #22 of the Sacramento Kings dribbles the ball in front of Jason Smith #14 of the Washington Wizards at Verizon Center on November 28, 2016 in Washington, DC.

Article by Pablo Mena

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