Toronto Raptors President Masai Ujiri has reportedly been sued by an Oakland police officer, who claims that Ujiri assaulted him following Toronto's NBA Finals victory over the Golden State Warriors. According to The Toronto Star, sheriff's deputy Alan Strickland alleges that Ujiri struck him in the face and chest at Oracle Arena on June 13, 2019, after Strickland demanded to see Ujiri's on-court access credentials.
According to the report, the lawsuit states that Ujiri's alleged actions were "foreseeable" based on "previous altercations involving similar circumstances." In addition to Ujiri, the Toronto Raptors, Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment and the NBA were named in the suit for failing to warn the plaintiff of Ujiri's "violent predisposition" and "propensity for physical violence prior to his assault on Strickland."
Per The Toronto Star:
"The suit, which seeks medical expenses, lost wages and other damages, also accuses the defendants of failing to "provide adequate safety and security to the public" and "failing to post signs warning of danger, including the danger of Masai Ujiri."
Back in October, prosecutors in California announced that no official charges would be filed again Masai, but it appears Strickland is determined to get some money out of the whole ordeal. Check out footage from the incident in question below.
New York Knicks Finally Fire President Steve Mills: Fans Rejoice
Knicks said to be targeting Toronto's Masai Ujiri.
New York Knicks fans have something to smile about today, and it has nothing to do with the team's red hot two-game winning streak.
According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski and others, the Knicks have finally fired President Steve Mills. What's more, Woj notes that New York is targeting Toronto Raptors' President Masai Ujiri to oversee the franchise moving forward. In the meantime, Knicks general manage Scott Perry will take over basketball operations.
Mills previously served as the Knicks' general manager from 2013-17 before somehow being promoted to president. Since taking over as president of the Knicks in 2017, the team has won a grand total of 61 games. Mills is responsible for the current construction of the roster and if there's anybody who has worn out his welcome it's him.
The Knicks' preferred replacement, Masai Ujiri, still has another year left on his contract with the Raptors, but SNY's Ian Begley reports that Ujiri has previously stated that he'd consider joining the Knicks under the right circumstances. New York could also look to use some of their future draft picks in a trade for Ujiri prior to the 2020 Draft, although Wojnarowski believes the "process for a successor is likely moving faster than the time needed to wait on an Ujiri courtship."
Of course, there is still the glaring issue of owner James Dolan - but for now, at least, Knicks fans are rejoicing that Mills has finally been let go.
Check out some of the reactions to today's news below.