French San Antonio Spurs center, Victor Wembanyama, is the latest professional athlete to speak on the fatal shootings by federal agents in Minnesota.
The fatal shootings of Alex Pretti, a 37 year-old ICU Nurse and Rene Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, at the hands of ICE agents, have incited days-long protests in Minneapolis. The shootings occurred during a widespread immigration enforcement operation, leading to protests in freezing temperatures and heightened tensions between citizens and law enforcement.
On Tuesday (Jan 27), after practice at Victory Capital Performance Center, Wembanyama was asked by reporters his thoughts on the matter.
“PR has tried, but I’m not going to sit here and give some politically correct [answer],” the 7-foot power forward told reporters. “Every day I wake up and see the news, and I’m horrified. I think it’s crazy that some people might make it seem like or make it sound like the murder of civilians is acceptable.”
He remained cautious that speaking too freely would impact his career negatively. “I mean, I read the news, and sometimes I’m asking very deep questions about my own life. I’m conscious also that saying everything that’s on my mind would have a cost that’s too great for me right now. So I’d rather not get into too many details.”
Wembanyama said “for sure” when asked whether he feared repercussions from speaking openly about such a hot-button topic.
“It’s terrible,” Wembanyama said. “I know I’m a foreigner. I live in this country, and I have concerns for sure. I think there’s enough details there for now. If privately, we can discuss it maybe later, but not right now.”
NBA athletes speak out
Wemby’s comments follow fellow NBA stars Tyrese Haliburton and Isaiah Thomas who also condemned the fatal shootings of Alex Pretti and Rene Good.
Haliburton was direct in his assessment of the tragedy, stating on social media that “Alex Pretti was murdered.”
Thomas was equally direct, emphasizing the grotesque force used by the agents. He noted that despite agents outnumbering Pretti, they “decided to KILL him like it was a video game.”
Breanna Stewart, a three-time WNBA champion, held up a small sign saying “Abolish Ice” during player introductions before a game in Florida.
“All day yesterday I was kind of just disgusted … we’re so fueled by hate right now instead of love,” Stewart said.
“When human lives are at stake it’s bigger than anything else
Minnesota Timberwolves coach Chris Finch issued a more general statement on behalf of the team.
“As an organization, we are heartbroken for what we are having to witness and endure and watch,” Finch said. “We just want to extend our thoughts, prayers and concern for Mr. Pretti’s family, all the loved ones, and everyone involved in such an unconscionable situation in a community that we really love.”