Masai Ujiri, president of basketball operations for the Toronto Raptors, has been sued for damages by an Alameda County sheriff's deputy. The deputy, whose name is Alan Strickland, claims that moments after the Raptors won game 6 against the Golden State Warriros, Ujiri struck him in the face and chest with both fists as he attempted to reach the court. He and his wife, Kelly, are suing Ujiri, the Raptors, the MLSE, and the NBA on six separate counts. They seek to be rewarded general damages exceeding $75,000, punitive damages, payment of all medical an incidental expenses – to date and in the future – all proven loss of earnings, and all legal costs of filing the suit.
This incident briefly made headlines shortly after its occurrence, in late-June and early-July, when Alameda County Sheriff Greg Ahern initially requested Ujiri be charged with battery of a peace officer. However, the Alameda County District Attorney's Office ultimately declined to press charges after an extensive investigation.
There are multiple sides to this story. For example, one witness, who was reportedly standing right next to the officer, refuted the department's narrative, which stated that Ujiri had refused Strickland's request for credentials and shoved him. According to reports, he claims that no such conversation had occurred, or any for that matter. The encounter began when the officer approached Ujiri and pushed him. Ujiri managed to shove him back before bystander intervened. Furthermore, a video taken around the time of the incident shows Ujiri with his credentials in his hand.
There are many factors involved in this case, including the reputation and history of both parties. Only time will tell how this lawsuit will turn out.
###
Read more
