Raptors executive, California police officer drop lawsuits against each other

The two got into a confrontation after the Raptors won the 2019 NBA title in Oakland.

SHARE Raptors executive, California police officer drop lawsuits against each other
Toronto Raptors president Masai Ujiri dropped his lawsuit against a California law enforcement officer.

Toronto Raptors president Masai Ujiri dropped his lawsuit against a California law enforcement officer.

Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press via AP

SAN FRANCISCO — A law enforcement officer in California who sued the president of the Toronto Raptors over a 2019 scuffle following the team’s NBA Finals victory over the Golden State Warriors dropped his lawsuit Wednesday.

The Raptors had just won their first title at Oracle Arena in Oakland on June 13, 2019, when Raptors President Masai Ujiri went onto the court to join his celebrating team. 

Alameda County sheriff’s deputy Alan Strickland claimed in a federal lawsuit filed last February that he stopped Ujiri because he didn’t provide the proper credential, leading to a shoving match that was partially captured on video. Strickland alleged Ujiri hit him “in the face and chest with both fists,” tried to go around the deputy and repeatedly ignored orders to stop. 

The lawsuit claims Strickland suffered “physical, mental, emotional, and economic injuries,” including lost wages, lost opportunity for financial gain and future earning capacity. It also cited past and future medical care and expenses and names his wife as a plaintiff. The lawsuit sought $75,000 in damages.

In August, Ujiri’s attorneys filed a counter-suit saying video footage showed Strickland was “undeniably the initial aggressor” in the confrontation and that the new evidence would vindicate him.

Ujiri on Wednesday also dropped his lawsuit against Strickland, in which he alleged that Strickland used excessive force against him and pointed out that he never would have been treated with such disrespect if he had not been Black, KTVU reported. 

Attorneys for Strickland and Ujiri did not immediately respond to emails from The Associated Press seeking comment. 

Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, which owns the Raptors, said in a statement that Ujiri “has been completely vindicated.”

“We are pleased the legal process has come to an end — and especially pleased that the claims made against Masai and MLSE were dismissed entirely, free of any financial settlement,” the company said. “We continue to be deeply troubled by the fact that Masai was put in this position in the first place, and believe he should never have had to defend himself. Masai is taking some time to process the ordeal, and intends to address it publicly at a later date.”

The Latest
The way inflation is measured masks certain costs that add to the prices that consumers pay every day. Not surprisingly, higher costs mean lower consumer confidence, no matter what Americans are told about an improving economy.
With Easter around the corner, chocolate makers and food businesses are feeling the impact of soaring global cocoa prices and it’s also hitting consumers.
Despite getting into foul trouble, which limited him to just six minutes in the second half, Shannon finished with 29 points, five rebounds and two assists.
Cowboy hats, bell-bottoms and boots were on full display Thursday night as fans lined up for the first of his three sold-out shows.