The video shows Raptors executive Masai Ujiri being pushed by the deputy at the 2019 NBA Finals

Attorneys for Toronto Raptors president Masai Ujiri responded on Tuesday to a deputy sheriff’s lawsuit over an altercation during the 2019 NBA Finals and released some revealing videos in defense of their client.

Ujiri was on his way to Oracle Arena courthouse on June 13, 2019, so that he could celebrate the Raptors’ victory over the Warriors when he was involved in a shoving match with Alameda County Sheriff’s Deputy Alan Strickland.

Eight months later, Strickland filed a federal lawsuit against Ujiri, the Raptors, Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment and the NBA, in which he claimed he suffered from a “permanent disability” due to the altercation, and claimed that Ujiri hit him. “In the face and chest with both fists.”

But Ujiri’s legal team – Cotchett, Pitre & McCarthy, LLP – filed a 108-page counterclaim that included an 11-second clip from Strickland’s bodycam, painting a completely different picture. In the video, Strickland forcefully pushes Ujiri twice before Ujiri walks away, and not in the manner described by the deputy.

“However, there is no objective evidence to support Mr. Strickland’s alleged injuries and video evidence, including camera footage of Mr. Strickland’s body, shows that Mr. Strickland subjected Mr. Ujiri to unprovoked and unnecessary use. of force, “Ujiri’s lawyers wrote in the counterclaim.

Strickland is also described as “undeniably the initial aggressor” by Ujiri’s lawyers.

The newly released 6 minutes and 20 seconds of video, made up of three edited clips, shows Ujiri attempting to enter the pitch and Strickland reaching out to stop him as he asks for Ujiri’s credentials, which are clearly displayed in the video. Strickland is then seen pushing Ujiri.

The counterclaim alleges that Strickland told Ujiri to “support f – k up”.

“Why did you push me,” Ujiri asks. “I’m the president of the Raptors.”

The court filing also contains three statements from witnesses, issued under the penalty of perjury, which support Ujiri’s account. All three claim that Ujiri did not hit Strickland with clenched fists, nor did he make contact with the deputy sheriff’s face. Furthermore, the claims are consistent in their description of Strickland not falling to the ground, nor appearing injured after the altercation.

Those statements are all contrary to Strickland’s description of events, contained in his February statement. Furthermore, the injuries allegedly sustained by Strickland do not match the evidence produced by Ujiri’s lawyers.

Ujiri’s lawyers also presented photographic evidence from Strickland’s hospital visit after the altercation, which they claim revealed no visible facial swelling, as he told police. They also cited a video shot by KTVU-TV in February in which Strickland can be seen going to lunch accompanied by his wife, carrying boxes and using a power saw outside his home.

Questions about Strickland’s integrity were raised in March, when KTVU revealed that he was arrested in 1994 and subsequently convicted of insurance fraud – an allegation that was uncovered when he applied for a San Mateo cop in 2005.

“We are aware that this remains before the courts, but we have always argued that the claims made against the Masai are unfounded and completely without merit,” the Raptors said in a statement to the San Francisco Chronicle. “We believe this video evidence demonstrates exactly that: Masai was not an attacker, but instead was the recipient of two very violent and unwarranted acts. The events of that evening cast a veil on what should have been a night of celebration, and the year since then.

“Even though Masai has the full support of the Raptors and MLSE while fighting this injustice, we are aware that not all people have similar support and resources. This is a spurious lawsuit that MLSE, NBA and especially Masai should not face.”

The Alameda County Sheriff’s Office said in October that no charges would be filed against Ujiri for the incident.