NBA, WNBA players react to guilty verdict in Derek Chauvin trial
After a lengthy trial for the death of George Floyd that began in March, the verdict found former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin guilty of charges in second-degree murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter.
Chauvin had been in police custody since last May for his role in the death of George Floyd.
The incident occurred when Floyd died after Chauvin pinned his knee against the 46-year-old Black man’s neck for 9 minutes and 29 seconds after being arrested under suspicion of using a counterfeit bill at a convenience store.
Videos of the incident quickly circulated online after being recorded by several bystanders, which sparked a worldwide protest against racism, police brutality, and lack of police accountability.
Prior to the verdict, Toronto Raptors guard Gary Trent Jr. expressed his concerns about the trial’s outcome.
Gary Trent Jr. is 'scared' for outcome of Derek Chauvin case pic.twitter.com/dnxLzHlGjZ
— Yahoo Sports Canada (@YahooCASports) April 20, 2021
“Main thing for me I’m scared, I’m scared that nothing’s going to happen again,” Trent said Tuesday. “I’ve seen it time after time to the point where it’s not even surprising anymore. It’s a gut punch everytime, it’s another slap in the face every time, and hopefully justice is served.”
The league also notified teams to be prepared for impact of the trial’s verdict, including the potential postponement of games, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski
Meanwhile, NBA commissioner Adam Silver and NBPA Executive Director Michelle Roberts have since released a joint statement addressing the jury’s verdict in the death of George Floyd.
NBPA Executive Director Michele Roberts and NBA Commissioner Adam Silver released the following joint statement today: pic.twitter.com/r0XQkLssOb
— NBA (@NBA) April 20, 2021
Members of the NBA and WNBA have shared their reactions to the aftermath of the trial as well.
NBPA Executive Director Michele Roberts and NBA Commissioner Adam Silver released the following joint statement today: pic.twitter.com/r0XQkLssOb
— NBA (@NBA) April 20, 2021
God is good all the time.....✊🏾🙏🏾
— Donovan Mitchell (@spidadmitchell) April 20, 2021
Justice and Accountability! Things I never thought I would see. There’s much more work to do, but this is an amazing start working toward the reform this country NEEDS!
— Karl-Anthony Towns (@KarlTowns) April 20, 2021
The following was released by the WNBA. pic.twitter.com/KWF4mkr6mf
— WNBA (@WNBA) April 20, 2021
On all accounts. Period.
— Nneka Ogwumike (@nnekaogwumike) April 20, 2021
Let’s make this the new normal. Accountability is served #GeorgeFloyd
— Renee Montgomery (@ReneeMontgomery) April 20, 2021
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