Thabo Sefolosha knows far too well about police brutality against black people.

Because, in 2015, it happened to him, when he suffered injuries by New York City police and was wrongly arrested.

Sefolosha, 36, is a 14-year NBA veteran from Switzerland who spent this season playing for the Houston Rockets before the Covid-19 pandemic put the season on hold. On Wednesday in Atlanta, he told CNN that he could see himself in George Floyd, who was killed while in police custody in Minneapolis.

“I think every black man in America, in my opinion, from the 14 years I’ve lived here, can feel that way,” Sefolosha said. “It’s that ultimate bullying. … I think it’s just an abuse of power that you’ve seen in preschool, middle school bullying, and it’s at such a high level that the people have to be fed up and something has to be done about it.”

In the early hours of April 8, 2015, Sefolosha, then with the Atlanta Hawks, and then-teammate, center Pero Antic, from Macedonia, were arrested near the scene of the stabbing of then-Indiana Pacers forward Chris Copeland and two women outside a New York nightclub.

Police said Sefolosha and Antic were not involved in the stabbing incident, but they were charged with misdemeanors, including disorderly conduct and obstructing governmental administration.

Shortly after the incident, TMZ released video that shows a group of police officers arresting the 6-foot-7 Sefolosha and taking him to the ground. It also shows an officer within that group getting out a baton and extending it near him, but what may have caused the injury is not clear in the video. Sefolosha appears to be limping as officers lead him away.

Sefolosha, who suffered a fractured fibula and ligament damage when he was arrested, said after the incident that police caused his injuries. He was forced to miss the rest of the 2015 regular season and the entire postseason.

A New York jury found Sefolosha not guilty on three misdemeanor charges. The charges against Antic, who is white, were dismissed. Sefolosha later settled a lawsuit against five police officers for $4 million.

“Everything happened so fast that at the moment it was just being myself, really, being respectful, and at the same time defending a position that I had the right to defend,” Sefolosha said to CNN. “Everything escalated so quickly that it was hard just to — looking back, just sitting in a cell and saying, ‘OK, I didn’t do anything wrong.’”

He later went on to say, “Really, it’s bullying at a high level. And that frustrates everybody. I think you see it now just with the protest and the level of anger that people have. I think it’s just enough is enough.”

As for why things escalated in his case on that overnight in New York, Sefolosha said it was because of “poor training.”

“Ego gets in the way, you know, and I think that’s one of the main problems when you’re a police officer,” Sefolosha said. “A lot is asked of you as a public servant, as someone who is here to defend the community. And I think it should be taken with pride and with more humanity, as far as you’re doing a job here for the people and understanding that everybody’s going through a lot.

“But as an officer, you’re the one with the training. You are the one who’s here, who is supposed to calm the situation down and realize what’s going on in a split second, you know? And too often this is not met.”

Sefolosha was asked what went through his mind when he saw the video of Floyd.

“Anger,” Sefolosha said. “And a sense of just being totally disconnected. How can a human being do that to somebody else and just sit on his neck for nine minutes? Intentionally in broad daylight killing someone like this. And the anger is extended to the other officers that are just around just watching. Like, what is your purpose in life? Why did you decide to become a police officer? Everything is to be put in question at this point. So I can’t really blame people that are in the street just angry.

“I just wish the leadership was a little more streamlined and people know exactly what the message, what they’re fighting for and what exactly they want after the protest. We can protest for six years. You protest and then something has got to come at the end of it, you know? But what is the message? What is the exact end goal of all of this?”

As for potentially going back to play basketball?

“The main priority should be justice, should be about fighting for sustainable justice,” Sefolosha said. “Can we do that while playing basketball? And I mean, obviously, the athletes are not the only ones that need to step up and do things. So, yeah, I think it would be great to have that outlet in times like this for everybody, for the ones that are on the court and the people watching. I think it’d be great for everybody to have (something) positive in times like this.

“But at the same time, I want myself and all the rest of the athletes with a platform, it’s time for action. And I want to really stress that I think it’s for all of us to take it upon us to be about action right now.”

The death of George Floyd in Minnesota on Monday has compelled many to speak out against social injustice and police brutality.

As protests were taking place across the country, Friday night two prominent Sixers figures took to social media to convey messages.

The team’s current point guard, Ben Simmons, put out a short statement on Twitter.

Witnessing the news the past few weeks & hearing the outcry has given me a lot to think about. It is time for everyone, from all walks of life, to get comfortable with voicing & calling out the uncomfortable subject of Blatant Racism that exists heavily within our society.

— Ben Simmons (@BenSimmons25) May 30, 2020

pic.twitter.com/bA7jZV3OY6

— Ben Simmons (@BenSimmons25) May 30, 2020

Hall of Famer Allen Iverson’s message was shorter but no less powerful.

Damn, I thought this was our country too???!!! #JusticeForGeorgeFloyd #IStandTallWithYou @_stak5_ #IveHadEnough pic.twitter.com/0fd8ugqVDB

— Allen Iverson (@alleniverson) May 30, 2020

Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, was killed after Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck while Floyd was handcuffed. The incident was caught on video by a witness. Chauvin was arrested Friday afternoon and charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. All four officers that were on the scene were fired.

Former NBA player Stephen Jackson, who knew Floyd personally while growing up in Texas, spoke as part of the protests in Minneapolis.

“To my white brothers, I love you. Every race here, I love you. But it comes to a point now, where if you love me and you not standing on the side of me, then your love don’t mean shit.” -Stephen Jackson pic.twitter.com/a0ZZe3fXMN

— Logan Murdock (@loganmmurdock) May 29, 2020

Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns, a little over a month after losing his mother Jacqueline to COVID-19, also stood in solidarity with Jackson.

A ridiculously powerful image of Karl-Anthony Towns, who is still out there showing support for George Floyd despite recently losing his mother to COVID-19. He has proven to be a leader in his community and should be applauded for his tenacity and resilience. Salute, @KarlTowns. https://t.co/mvAMxglyft

— Bryan Kalbrosky (@BryanKalbrosky) May 29, 2020

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Racism and police brutality in the United States of America took the life of another African-American on Monday. George Floyd, a 46-year-old man, died after a white Minneapolis police officer knelt on Floyd’s neck, while he was handcuffed and lying facedown on the street. In this video, recorded by bystanders, one could hear Floyd repeatedly saying, “I can’t breathe,” but the police did not bother. Naturally, a lot of NBA Stars reacted to it.

The police officers had arrested Floyd because he had allegedly committed forgery. All officers on the scene were fired the next day but family members of the victim believe they should be charged for murder. Six years ago, Eric Garner, another African-American man, was killed by the police after being put into a chokehold. Garner too was saying “I can’t breathe,” before he suffocated to his death. His mother said Floyd’s death felt like “deja vu” and it forced her to relive her son’s death.

“I haven’t been the same since I’ve seen it.”

Stephen Jackson shares how he found out his friend, George Floyd, was murdered by Minneapolis Police pic.twitter.com/j8GUjAQuej

— Master (@MasterTes) May 28, 2020

NBA players express anger and call for justice

Former NBA player Stephen Jackson was a close friend of Floyd. They have been friends since they met in the 90s and he called Floyd twin because they looked so similar. While speaking to the Today Show, Jackson revealed how he was devasted when he found out. “I haven’t been the same since I’ve seen it. It shut me down man, I screamed I scared my daughter and I was punching stuff,” Jackson said.

The most heartbreaking thing was when Jackson said how he found out about it. “My girlfriend’s mom sent me the video and I was thinking it’s just another black man getting murdered by the police,” Jackson said. He realized what happened later after receiving messages regarding the murder. Such incidents take place so often that one loses track of it.

Steph Curry wrote a long angry paragraph on Instagram which ended with “George was murdered. George wasn’t human to that cop that slowly and purposefully took his life away.”

As much as you pray for George family, gotta also pray for the police officer(s) who were involved in this evil. As hard as it is, pray for them instead of hate them…Pray that God changes their hearts.

— Michael Porter Jr (@MPJr) May 27, 2020

Michael Porter Jr tweeted in support but faced backlash over it. He might have tweeted it in good faith but Twitter users were upset by the latter half of his tweet.

Reggie Miller, Isaiah Thomas, and Jaylen Brown are few other players who voiced out their opinion on Twitter.

I’m scared for myself and my BLACK kids with SOME of these crazy people and cops… I hope to God they don’t get into some stuff and the cops come and possibly KILL them

— Isaiah Thomas (@isaiahthomas) May 26, 2020

 

 

 

Hundreds remained on the streets of Minneapolis late Wednesday night protesting the death of George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man who died after pleading for help as a police officer pinned him to the ground with his knee on Floyd’s neck.

The demonstrations, which began Wednesday, were initially peaceful but turned “extremely dangerous,” according to Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.

“The situation near Lake Street and Hiawatha in Minneapolis has evolved into an extremely dangerous situation,” Walz said on Twitter. “For everyone’s safety, please leave the area and allow firefighters and paramedics to get to the scene.”

Police officers created a barrier outside the police precinct that protesters have been targeting, smashing its windows by throwing items including water bottles. Authorities have responded by shooting tear gas.

Across the street from the precinct, the fire department was responding to an AutoZone store in flames, according to a CNN team on the ground. Groups of demonstrators looted and damaged stores in the surrounding areas, according to CNN’s observations.

An attorney representing Floyd’s family, Benjamin Crump, said in a statement Wednesday that he and Floyd’s relatives are calling for peaceful protests and social distancing amid the coronavirus pandemic.

“We cannot sink to the level of our oppressors, and we must not endanger others during this pandemic,” the statement said. “We will demand and ultimately force lasting change by shining a light on treatment that is horrific and unacceptable and by winning justice.”

The four officers involved in Floyd’s death were fired from the department Tuesday, Minneapolis police said.

The officers involved in the incident were identified by Minneapolis police as: Derek Chauvin, Thomas Lane, Tou Thao and J. Alexander Kueng, according to the police website.

An attorney for Chauvin, says his client is the officer seen on video restraining Floyd with his knee. Tom Kelly says he will not yet be releasing a statement on Chauvin’s behalf.

Thomas Plunkett, who is representing Kueng said, “At this time, out of respect for Mr. Floyd, we are declining all invitations to discuss these painful events.”

Earl Gray is representing another of the officers involved but has declined to say who his client is.

CNN has not determined the attorney for the fourth officer.

Minneapolis mayor calls for charges

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey on Wednesday called for criminal charges against the police officer who was seen pinning Floyd to the ground with his knee in an incident that is spurring street protests and local and federal investigations.

“What I can say with certainty, based on what I saw, is that … the officer who had his knee on the neck of George Floyd should be charged,” Frey said in a news conference Wednesday.

Frey declined to say what the officer should be charged with, and said his knowledge is “limited to the video evidence that is there” about Floyd, a black man. He said he made his opinion known to Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman, whose office would be in position to file state charges.

“George Floyd deserves justice. His family deserves justice. The black community deserves justice, and our city deserves justice,” Frey said.

No charges have been filed in the case.

Minneapolis Police Chief Medaria Arradondo declined to discuss Floyd’s death on Wednesday but said the actions of the former police officers “in no way reflect the values, and the vision and the culture” he wants to change in the police department.

Officers should be charged with murder, family says

Floyd worked security at Conga Latin Bistro in Minneapolis for five years, according to its owner, Jovanni Thunstrom.

The 46-year-old Houston native moved to Minneapolis for work and to drive trucks, his friend and former NBA player, Stephen Jackson said.

Members of Floyd’s family remembered him as a man who wouldn’t “hurt anybody.” The family wants the four officers charged with murder.

“They were supposed to be there to serve and to protect and I didn’t see a single one of them lift a finger to do anything to help while he was begging for his life. Not one of them tried to do anything to help him,” Tera Brown, Floyd’s cousin, told CNN’s Don Lemon on Tuesday.

‘I can’t breathe’

Floyd was arrested Monday evening after officers responded to a call about an alleged forgery in progress.

The officers were told the suspect was sitting on top of a blue car, Minneapolis police say, and found Floyd inside a car when they arrived.

Police said he “physically resisted” after he got out of the vehicle. Officers handcuffed Floyd, who police said “appeared to be suffering medical distress.”

Video from bystanders shows Floyd handcuffed and Chauvin with his knee pressed against the neck of the 46-year-old. Two officers handled the man on the ground while another stood nearby with his eyes on the bystanders as traffic passed.

“Please, I can’t breathe,” Floyd says. “… My stomach hurts. My neck hurts. Everything hurts.”

At one point the Floyd said, “Give me some water or something. Please. Please.”

Surveillance video obtained from a nearby restaurant showed the first point of contact police had with the man. An officer escorts Floyd handcuffed out of a car and Floyd sits on the sidewalk. Moments later, the officer and another escort Floyd away, still with his hands behind his back.

Floyd was declared dead at a nearby hospital shortly afterwards. A finding on the cause and manner of Floyd’s death is pending and it is being investigated by local, state and federal law enforcement, the Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office said.

In a statement on Tuesday, police said additional information had “been made available” and the Federal Bureau of Investigation had joined the investigation.

The FBI Minneapolis Division has said the federal investigation into Floyd’s death will focus on whether the police officers “willfully deprived (Floyd) of a right or privilege protected by the Constitution or laws of the United States.

Officers’ attorneys had represented other Minnesota officers in high-profile deaths

The Police Officers Federation of Minneapolis said Tuesday the four officers were cooperating in an investigation and urged “now is not the time to rush to (judgment)” while the officers’ actions are examined.

At least three of the fired officers are being represented by attorneys who previously represented other police officers involved in high-profile killings in Minnesota.

Chauvin’s attorney, Kelly, represented then-St. Anthony police Officer Jeronimo Yanez, who shot and killed Philando Castile during a traffic stop in Falcon Heights in July 2016. A jury found Yanez not guilty of manslaughter; Castile’s family and his girlfriend reached settlements with various cities.

Gray, like Kelly, had represented Yanez.

Plunkett was involved in the defense of Minneapolis police Officer Mohamed Noor, who was convicted of third-degree murder and manslaughter for shooting and killing Justine Ruszczyk while responding to her 911 call in July 2017.

Floyd’s death ‘it’s like déjà vu’

Monday’s incident is forcing Gwen Carr to relive the death of her son Eric Garner, who also uttered the words “I can’t breathe” while in a New York officer’s chokehold.

“It’s hard enough we’re coming up on the anniversary of my son’s death, and now to hear about this young man, it’s like déjà vu,” Carr told CNN. “It’s just like the murder of my son all over again. He was basically the same age as Eric.”

The officer who choked Garner in 2014 never faced charges. He was fired in 2019 after being found guilty in a disciplinary trial of using a chokehold on Garner and later sued the city over his termination.

NBA superstar LeBron James, Cleveland Browns player Odell Beckham Jr. and other athletes have voiced their outrage over Floyd’s death.