Golden State president apologizes to Raptors' Ujiri over altercation at 2019 Finals
Rick Welts 'heartbroken' after video shows Toronto exec wasn't the aggressor
The president of NBA's Golden State team is apologizing to Raptors president Masai Ujiri after a video was released this week showing an altercation between the Toronto executive and a law enforcement officer at the NBA Finals last year in Oakland, Calif.
Rick Welts wrote on Twitter that he is "heartbroken" after watching the video that was part of a countersuit from Ujiri following a lawsuit by Alameda County sheriff's deputy Alan Strickland.
Welts tweeted that while the team wasn't responsible for security at Oracle Arena, he wanted to apologize because it happened at a Golden State home game.
The video footage appears to show Strickland using his arm to stop Ujiri from getting to the court.
WATCH | Video shows Masai Ujiri being shoved after Raptors won championship:
As Ujiri tries to walk by, Strickland shoves Ujiri before the two appear to exchange words.
Strickland then shoves Ujiri again, leading to Ujiri pushing Strickland back.
"To my personal and professional friend Masai Ujiri, I am heartbroken seeing the video of what should have been the happiest professional moment of your life," Welts said on Twitter Friday. "It's hard to watch and to know all that swirled around you in the aftermath.
"While we had no role in hiring or managing security at our old arena, it happened at a [Golden State] game and for that I apologize. You rose above it which doesn't surprise me or anyone who knows you."
When asked about the video Friday, Los Angeles Clippers head coach Doc Rivers said he was saddened by the officer's actions towards the Raptors president.
"A man is at the top, the pinnacle of his career at that moment, walking out on the floor to celebrate with his team that just won the NBA championship and he had to be reminded once again what his colour was," he said.
To my personal and professional friend Masai Ujiri, I am heartbroken seeing the video of what should have been the happiest professional moment of your life. It’s hard to watch and to know all that swirled around you in the aftermath. (1/2)
—@RickWeltsUjiri said in a statement Thursday that he was reminded in that moment captured on video that some people will see him as "unworthy of respectful engagement." He says the reason why is because he is Black.
Sgt. Ray Kelly, a spokesperson for the Alameda County Sheriff's Office, said Wednesday that the office stands by everything it has said in regards to the investigation.
He added that the video released is "a snippet of all the video that is out there."
WATCH | Nick Nurse says sheriff's deputy 'ruined a night of celebration':
