“There are some people, including those who are supposed to protect us, who will only ever see me as something that is not worthy of a respectful commitment. And there’s only one indisputable reason why it is – because I’m Black.”
As Ujiri puts his hand into his jacket to show all his login credentials, Sheriff’s Deputy Alan Strickland pushes him away twice, grabbing him by his jacket and telling him to “back off.” Ujiri then pushes the agent back.
Another video shows the two men separated before Ujiri was allowed access to the court.
“It was an exciting time for our organization, for our players, for our city, for our country and for me personally, given my long career in the NBA.”
The law firm representing Agent Strickland did not immediately respond to CNN’s request for comment.
Strickland filed a lawsuit against Ujiri in February, claiming he had “suffered and will continue to suffer physical, mental, emotional and economic injuries” as a result of the accident.
The lawsuit alleges that the officer sustained injuries to his head, jaw, chin and teeth as a result of the altercation. He claims that Ujiri hit him in the face and chest with both fists.
However, the bodycam footage also raises questions about a Strickland claim that Ujiri was the aggressor in the exchange. The footage is included as part of a lawsuit filed by Ujiri in the United States District Court in Oakland, Calif., On Tuesday.
Ujiri argues in the lawsuit that Strickland is perpetrating a fraud, claiming that footage just released from the camera shows that Strickland used excessive force.
In his statement, Ujiri says the only reason he is now getting justice for the incident is because of his status as president of the NBA team.
“What saddens me most about this ordeal is that the only reason I am getting the justice I deserve right now is my success. As I am the president of an NBA team, I have had access to resources that have ensured me. to be able to ask and fight for my justice.
“So many of my brothers and sisters haven’t had, haven’t and won’t have the same access to the resources that ensured my justice. And that’s why Black Lives Matter.
“And that’s why it’s important for all of us to keep demanding justice. Justice for George. Justice for Breonna. Justice for Elijah. Justice for too many black lives that mattered. And justice for blacks everywhere, who need the our voice and our compassion to save their lives. “
The Alameda County Sheriff’s Office did not immediately respond to CNN’s request to comment on Ujiri’s comments on Thursday.
“We 100% support the original statement that was released that Mr. Ujiri is the aggressor in this incident … don’t be quick to judge based on what the lawyers say,” the county sheriff’s office said. of Alameda to CP24 after the release of the bodycam footage earlier this week.
Earlier this week the sheriff’s office told CNN that the matter was a civil lawsuit and that any questions should be referred to the Strickland legal team.
Last year, the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office said Ujiri would not face criminal charges.
Jonathan Hawkins contributed to this report.
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