Tyre Nichols: NBA teams come together after harrowing Memphis footage

The NBA world came together as gruesome images emerged of five police officers fatally beating Tire Nichols on Friday night.

The 29-year-old died in hospital on January 10, three days after being beaten by officers. Video released by police in Memphis showed the brutal assault on January 7.

Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra said “this is crazy” when the heartbreaking footage was released before his team’s game with the Orlando Magic.

The Memphis Police Department has released harrowing body camera footage of five police officers fatally beating Tire Nichols.

Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra (left) and Memphis Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins speak

While the coach of the Memphis Grizzlies, Taylor Jenkins, revealed that he could not contain his emotions when watching a televised interview of Nichols’ mother talking about the loss of her son.

“I cried,” Jenkins said.

The Grizzlies released a statement Friday night, offering their support to Nichols’ family and friends after the “unnecessary loss of life.”

Nichols is shown in the hospital after the incident. The 29-year-old from Memphis died on January 10 of cardiac arrest and kidney failure, three days after police pulled him over for reckless driving in cars without identification.

Several teams issued statements of support for the family, as did the National Basketball Players Association.

The officers, who are also black, face charges of second-degree murder, as well as charges of aggravated assault, aggravated kidnapping, official misconduct and official oppression.

And the Grizzlies played a game in Minneapolis – the city where George Floyd, a black man, was killed after a white police officer pressed his knee into Floyd’s neck in an act that sparked worldwide protests over police brutality and Racism – Friday night with strong hearts.

“The senseless loss of life for Tire Nichols has really hit us hard,” Jenkins told Bally Sports, the Grizzlies’ broadcast partner, in a pregame interview from Minnesota.

Several teams issued statements of support for the family, as did the NBA on Friday night.

Indicted for second degree murder are (top, left to right) Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Emmitt Martin III, and (bottom, left to right) Desmond Mills Jr. and Justin Smith

It’s been hard being on tour, not being home. I wish I could extend my arms through this chamber right now to the family. They are going through a lot.

There was a moment of silence before the game in Minnesota. Several teams, including Miami, Atlanta, Cleveland, Minnesota and Milwaukee, released statements.

“We are outraged by the fatal beating Tire Nichols received from five Memphis police officers,” the Bucks said in their statement.

“While charging police officers for their egregious actions is an important step forward for justice, this incident further highlights the need to make progress in improving police-community relations.”

Nichols was on his way home from taking pictures of the sky on January 7 when police stopped him. He was only a few minutes from the house he shared with his mother and his stepfather.

The National Basketball Players Association also sent its condolences to Nichols’ family.

Video of the murder was released Friday night. It was not immediately clear if the Grizzlies saw the video before their game.

“Our hearts go out to the entire Memphis community as they process and deal with this horrific tragedy, and we support the lawful arrest of all officers involved,” the NBPA said.

“Such aggressive policing and excessive force illustrate the continuing need for accountability in the justice system.”

The union said it “will continue to monitor the investigation and legal proceedings in pursuit of justice for Tire and his family.”

Nichols’ mother, RowVaughn Wells, warned supporters of the “horrifying” nature of the video but called for peace.

Jenkins also said that he hopes the citizens of Memphis will unite with each other.

“My words alone will mean so much,” Jenkins said.

“I want to continue to encourage people to hug each other, hug the Nichols family, the Wells family to remember a beautiful life in Tire Nichols, who I didn’t know, but I’m learning.”