Sacramento Kings owner offers message of unity in response to protests
Streets surrounding arena blocked over police shooting of Stephon Clark
Sacramento Kings owner Vivek Ranadive offered a message of unity after protesters disrupted the team's home win over the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday.
The protests were in response to the release of a video showing police fatally shooting unarmed Stephon Clark on Sunday night.
Protesters took over downtown and also blocked roads. "We are so very sorry for your loss,'' Ranadive said, standing on the court with a host of Kings players and staffers. "We at the Kings recognize people's abilities to protest peacefully, and we respect that. We here at the Kings realize that we have a big platform. It's a privilege, but it's also a responsibility. It's a responsibility that we take very seriously, and we stand here before you, old, young, black, white, brown, and we are all united in our commitment.
Kings owner and chairman <a href="https://twitter.com/Vivek?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Vivek</a> addresses the crowd following tonight’s game. <a href="https://t.co/yVODGnPovs">pic.twitter.com/yVODGnPovs</a>
—@SacramentoKings"We recognize that it is not just business as usual, and we are going to work really hard to bring everybody together to make the world a better place, starting in our own community. We are going to work really hard to prevent this kind of tragedy from happening again.''
The game was played in front of a tiny crowd — estimated at less than 2,000 — at Golden 1 Center, with admissions shut down just before tipoff by the Sacramento Police Department when late-arriving fans were met by a human chain of protesters barring entrances.
Players voice support
Sacramento forward Garrett Temple voiced support for the protests, saying "I think the protest did what it was supposed to do. It brought light to what's going on. I think that's what protests are for. And after that, something has to change."
Kings veteran Vince Carter was on board with Ranadive's message. "What Vivek said speaks volumes. Regardless of your skin colour, it's just what's right and what's wrong and how we can support each other, even if it has nothing to do with you. Lend a hand and support. That's the message that needs to shine through all of this," Carter said.
The Sacramento Kings released a statement saying, "Due to law enforcement being unable to ensure ticketed fans could safely enter the arena, the arena remains closed and we ask fans outside to travel home."
The team also promised refunds would be addressed soon.
The Kings allowed all fans in attendance to move into the lower bowl and told fans who were kept from entering the building that they would offer refunds. They also gave the fans who made it into the arena free non-alcoholic drinks and snacks.