New bodycam video released of 2019 Raptors championship scuffle

Video has been released of a scuffle between Raptors president Masai Ujiri and a local California officer at last year’s championship win.

The footage appears to back up Ujiri’s claims that he wasn’t the aggressor.

It appears to show Alameda County sheriff’s deputy Alan Strickland using his arm to stop Ujiri from getting to the court.

As Ujiri tries to walk by, Strickland shoves Ujiri before the two appear to exchange words.

“The events of that evening cast a pall over what should have been a night of celebration, and the year since,”said the Toronto Raptors in a statement.

“While Masai has the full backing of Raptors and MLSE as he fights this injustice, we are aware that not all people have similar support and resources. This is a spurious legal action that MLSE, the NBA, and especially Masai should not be facing.”

In February, the officer filed a federal lawsuit claiming he suffered “physical, mental,
emotional, and economic injuries.”

The suit seeks $75,000 USD in damages.

He says he stopped Ujiri from going on the court to celebrate with his team because he didn’t provide the proper credential.

He alleges Ujiri repeatedly ignored orders to stop  before hitting him “in the face and chest with both fists.”