The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) released a statement following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by federal agents in Minneapolis on Saturday.
NBA, NBPA Respond After Two Fatal Shootings
The NBPA said NBA players can “no longer remain silent.”
“Now more than ever, we must defend the right to freedom of speech and stand in solidarity with the people in Minnesota protesting and risking their lives to demand justice,” the NBPA statement read.
“The fraternity of NBA players, like the United States itself, is a community enriched by its global citizens, and we refuse to let the flames of division threaten the civil liberties that are meant to protect us all.”
Statement from the NBPA and its Executive Committee on the Fatal Shooting in Minneapolis by ICE.
“There comes a time when silence is betrayal” -MLK pic.twitter.com/ka6CjhfHBb
— NBPA (@TheNBPA) January 25, 2026
Pretti was the second U.S. citizen to be killed by federal agents in Minneapolis this month.
On Jan. 10, Renee Good was shot and killed by ICE agent Jonathan Ross after refusing to get out of her car and allegedly using the vehicle as a weapon.
The NBA postponed the Western Conference matchup between the Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday in the aftermath of Pretti’s killing.
“The decision was made to prioritize the safety and security of the Minneapolis community,” the league said in a statement.
Sports Teams, Businesses Write Open Letter
The Timberwolves, NFL’s Minnesota Vikings, NHL’s Minnesota Wild, WNBA’s Minnesota Lynx, and MLS’ Minnesota United FC also joined a number of Minnesota-based companies in writing an open letter calling for “an immediate deescalation of tensions and for state, local and federal officials to work together to find real solutions.”
“In this difficult moment for our community, we call for peace and focused cooperation among local, state and federal leaders to achieve a swift and durable solution that enables families, businesses, our employees, and communities across Minnesota to resume our work to build a bright and prosperous future,” the letter added.
According to ESPN’s report, the CEOs who signed Sunday’s open letter included 3M’s William Brown, Best Buy’s Corie Barry, General Mills’ Jeff Harmening, Target incoming CEO Michael Fiddelke, and UnitedHealth Group’s Stephen Helmsley.
During his pregame availability on Saturday, Timberwolves coach Chris Finch said:
“For the second time in less than three weeks, we’ve lost another member of our community in the most unimaginable way. As an organization, we’re heartbroken for what we are having to witness and endure and watch.
“We just want to extend our thoughts, prayers and concern for Mr. Pretti and family, all the loved ones and everyone involved in such an unconscionable situation in a community we really love full of people who are by nature peaceful and prideful. We just stand in support of our great community.
“Playing basketball yesterday just didn’t feel like the right thing to do.”
