How Memphis Grizzlies are reacting ahead of Tyre Nichols video release

MINNEAPOLIS — The Memphis Grizzlies have issued a statement as players and other members of the organization react to the death of Memphis native Tyre Nichols, who died on Jan. 10 after a confrontation with five police officers three days earlier.

Five former Memphis police officers, who were later fired, were charged with one count of second-degree murder, aggravated assault-acting in concert, aggravated kidnapping, two counts of official misconduct and one count of official oppression. A video showing the interaction between the officers and Nichols will be released by the City of Memphis on Friday evening.

Schools and universities decided to close early ahead of the release of the video.

Before the Grizzlies' game at the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night, members of the organization have reacted.

"Heart is heavy for Tyre Nichols, his family & the people of Memphis," Grizzlies assistant coach Sonia Raman said in a Tweet. "As a nation, we are yet again faced w/ tragedy. His killing is a reminder that we still don’t have a system that is just & safe for everyone. Let’s support the many people working for meaningful change every day."

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"To the Nichols family, my teammates and I are and have been paying attention," Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. tweeted. "We are with you. To Memphis, we are hurting, too. Peaceful protest, supporting the family, pushing for accountability are what’s needed in this moment."

Former Grizzlies All-Star Zach Randolph also made an Instagram post with hopes of bringing Memphis together.

"To the family of Tyre Nichols I extend my deepest condolences, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this devastating time," Randolph said. "To our city I pray for peace, and that we come together to fix this broken system."

Taylor Jenkins issues statement regarding Tyre Nichols

Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins opened his pregame press conference by speaking on the Nichols situation for close to four minutes.

"Our city is struggling right now," Jenkins said. "Our city is coping right now with loss of one of our own in Tyre Nichols. It's devastating."

Jenkins added that Grizzlies coaches and players have had dialogue on how to proceed and what they will do next. He said nothing has been decided.

Tyus Jones and David Roddy are both from the Minneapolis area, where George Floyd was murdered by police in May 2020. Jenkins said that Roddy and Jones have been leaders in locker room conversations.

"Players and staff speaking up about how we have to be there for each other and how each individual is going to handle it differently," Jenkins said. "How we have to be there for our city most of all, knowing that we are hopefully a positive piece to the soul of our city. It’s something that we’ve talked about. But we don’t know how things are going to transpire."

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis Grizzlies reactions, thoughts as Tyre Nichols video is released