protest - Bad Sporters

Source: Ohio State's Seth Towns detained, not arrested, during protest

admin — Fri, 19 Jun 2020 21:06:39 +0000

Here is an updated 2020 NBA mock draft. Who are the best 2020 NBA Draft prospects?

This mock draft, however, is going to be slightly different than some of the past mock drafts that we have run here at NBC Sports.

I joined forces with Pro Basketball Talk’s Kurt Helin over the weekend to go through the first round of the 2020 NBA Draft pick by pick. I know the players. Kurt knows the teams. We recorded the entire conversation and published them as a pair of podcasts. The first ten picks ran in the College Basketball Talk feed, which can be found here. Picks 11-30 can be found in the Pro Basketball Talk feed, which is here.

This is how the breakdowns are going to work: I’m going to embed the CBT podcast at the top, complete with timestamps for when each pick is actually discussed. I’ll embed the PBT podcast after the top ten picks with the timestamps for the final 20 picks listed as well. The breakdown of why each player fits on each team can be found in the podcasts. In the body of this post will be breakdowns of the actual prospects themselves.

One programming note: We simply used the order that teams finished for the order of selection. We’ll be repeating this exercise a couple of more times before the draft itself takes place using different draft orders. This year, more than years past, the order at the top of the draft is going to impact what the top five looks like.

CBT’S 2020 MOCK DRAFT PODCAST

1. Golden State Warriors: (11:22)
2. Cleveland Cavaliers: (19:03)
3. Minnesota Timberwolves: (23:25)
4. Atlanta Hawks: 27:53)
5. Detroit Pistons: (31:58)
6. New York Knicks: (37:40)
7. Chicago Bulls: (43:15)
8. Charlotte Hornets: (47:57)
9. Washington Wizards: (55:23)
10. Phoenix Suns: (58:30)

Preseason Top 25 | Mock Draft 2.0 | Early Entry Tracker

1. Golden State Warriors: JAMES WISEMAN, Memphis

Details: 19 years old, 7-foot-1, 240 pounds
Key Stats: 19.7 ppg, 10.7 rpg, 3.0 bpg

Wiseman has all the physical tools that you want out of a five in the modern NBA. He’s 7-foot-1 with a 7-foot-6 wingspan, an exceptional athlete that can really get up and down the floor and finish above the rim. He has all the tools to be a rim protector that can guard in ball-screens and switch on the perimeter if needed. He’s not Dirk Nowitzki but he’s not Clint Capela, either — he’s shown some flashes of being capable on the perimeter.

The red flags with Wiseman are two-fold. For starters, his competitiveness has been questioned throughout his career. He hasn’t always controlled games the way someone his size should be able to. He isn’t as tough or as physical as some would like, and he seems to have a habit of trying to prove that he can play away from the basket instead of overpowering anyone that gets between him and the rim. None of these concerns were helped by his decision to quit on his Memphis team in December, halfway through a suspension for break (admittedly silly) NCAA rules.

My gut feeling on Wiseman is that if he decided he wanted to be, say, the next Myles Turner, he could end up one of the eight-to-ten best centers in the NBA. If he decides that he wants to be the next Giannis, I don’t think it will go as well.

2. Cleveland Cavaliers: ANTHONY EDWARDS, Georgia

Details: 18 years old, 6-foot-4, 225 lbs
Key Stats: 19.1 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 2.8 apg, 40% FG, 29% 3PT

Edwards is the best scorer in this 2020 NBA Mock Draft. At 6-foot-4 with a 6-foot-8 wingspan and explosive athleticism, he’s proven himself to be a dangerous three-level bucket-getter that can get hot and do things like score 33 points in a half. Ask Michigan State. He also has the physical profile of a guard that can defend two or three different positions in the NBA. It’s all there.

But Edwards is still learning how to play and how to be consistent. Far too often he settled for deep, contested threes. They looked great when he hit a couple in a row, but he shot 29 percent from three as a freshman. That speaks for itself, although part of that inefficiency absolutely stems from the load he was asked to carry. Edwards was not getting too many easy looks created for him.

There are also too many stretches where he looks disengaged in the game, whether it’s due to his lack of focus on the defensive end of his passivity offensively. He’s developed a reputation dating all the way back to his high school days for being a guy that starts slow and puts up huge second half numbers in a losing effort.

3. Minnesota Timberwolves: OBI TOPPIN, Dayton

Details: 22 years old, 6-foot-9, 220 lbs
Key Stats: 20.0 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 2.2 apg, 1.2 bpg, 1.0 bpg, 63% FG, 39% 3PT

Toppin is one of three guys in this draft that, if I were an NBA GM, I would want to definitively be higher than the field on, and the reason for that is two-fold: On the one hand, Toppin is one of just a handful of players in this 2020 NBA Mock Draft that I believe can make a significant impact in the NBA as a rookie, and given that the top of this draft class is made up of players that are going to be drafted on their potential without having the upside of being a franchise-changing talent, I think there is value in drafting a guy with a rock-solid floor.

The reason that Toppin’s floor is so high is because of how well he fits as a role player at the next level. Anthony Grant’s offense at Dayton was as close to a modern NBA scheme as you are going to find in the college game, and the reason he is able to play that way has everything to do with Toppin’s skill set. At 6-foot-9, he’s an explosive leaper that is versatile offensively — he can hit a three, he can score off the bounce, he has a pretty good feel for the game, he’s a capable and willing passer. He also has the size and physical tools where it is conceivable that he can play the four or the five in small-ball lineups, although he’ll need some development here; he has high hips and a slender waist which casts some doubt on how well he’ll be able to put on weight and how well he can sit in a stance and guard on the perimeter. And while there is some value in being capable of guarding fours or fives, there are some valid questions about whether or not he’ll be above average guarding either.

I do think that will come with time spent in the right NBA strength and conditioning program, and the fact that he’s a late-bloomer that was just 6-foot-2 as a high school junior is relevant here as well.

I broke down why Toppin is such a good fit for Dayton’s offense last month, and all of that applies to why he’ll be such a good fit at the next level as well:

4. Atlanta Hawks: ISAAC OKORO, Auburn

Details: 19 years old, 6-foot-6, 225 lbs
Key Stats: 12.9 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 2.0 apg, 29% 3PT

Okoro is another guy that I would want to be higher than consensus on, because I think he has a chance to be a really good starter on an NBA team for the next 12 years. I’m not sure there is anything more valuable in the modern NBA than a wing that is a multi-positional defender, that can guard in space and that is capable of creating against a close out or in isolation, but I am sure that there is no one in this 2020 NBA Mock Draft that better fits that role than Okoro.

I don’t think it’s crazy to say that Okoro was the best perimeter defender in college basketball this season. He can guard up, he can guard down, he can move his feet, he’s already built like a pro, he’s shown the ability to block shots as a help-side defender. It’s what he hangs his hat on. But he’s also proven to be particularly adept off the dribble, where he’s a nightmare to stop once he gets a step. He can finish above the rim, but perhaps his most underrated skill is his ability to read defenses and pass the ball. He definitely is a capable and willing playmaker.

The one question mark is the shooting, but in conversations I’ve had with people that know Isaac, both at the collegiate and high school levels, the consensus is that he’s a worker. He’ll put in the hours that he needs to in order to make himself a threat from three.

Here’s a breakdown from January:

5. Detroit Pistons: LAMELO BALL, Australia

Details: 18 years old, 6-foot-7, 180 lbs
Key Stats: 17 ppg, 7 apg, 7.5 rpg
Full Scouting Report

I know what you’re going to think when you hear LaMelo Ball’s name. The reaction is going to be you thinking back to the little 5-foot-11 kid with braces and a blonde mohawk launching shots from halfcourt and cherry-picking against overmatched competition to try and get to 100 points in a game. You’re going to immediately think of all the things you hated about Lavar Ball, and I get it.

But Melo grew up. He’s not just the baby brother anymore. He’s now a 6-foot-7 lead guard that has all of the tools that would lead you to believe that he can be a star feature guard in the NBA. He’s a terrific passer that can make every read you want a point guard to make out of ball-screens with either hand, and he has the size to see those passes over the defense. His feel for the game and basketball IQ are elite. He’s been an inconsistent and inefficient shooter throughout his career, but he’s always been a good free throw shooter and while he certainly needs to tweak his mechanics, some of those low percentages can be explained away by the degree of difficulty of the shots he is taking.

Which leads me to what may be the most important point here: Not only is Melo one of the youngest players in this draft, he is also a late-bloomer. He’s still growing into his frame, and while I doubt he’s ever be on par with someone like Russell Westbrook, he’s definitely going to get stronger and more athletic as he matures physically and gets into an NBA strength training program. When that happens, it should help his explosiveness and ability to handle physicality. There are risks here, but I don’t think it’s crazy to say he has the highest ceiling of anyone in this draft class.

The bigger issue is the off-the-court stuff. He has a reputation, fairly or unfairly, of being a lazy defender with a lacking work ethic. Teams picking at the top of the draft will have to do their due diligence. He may have a high ceiling, but there’s also some bust potential at play. If it all works out, he could end up being the second-coming of Luka Doncic.

6. New York Knicks: KILLIAN HAYES, Ratiopharm Ulm

Details: 18 years old, 6-foot-5, 200 lbs
Key Stats: 11.6 ppg, 5.4 apg, 29.4% 3PT
Full Scouting Report

Hayes is a flat-out terrific passer out of ball-screens, and the coaches at Ulm this past season knew as much. To put this into perspective, Hayes played 33 games for Ulm this past season and, according to Synergy’s video logs, ended a possession by using a ball-screen 428 times. That’s an averaged of 13 ball-screens per game. He played 25 minutes per game. Do the math, and Hayes played out of a ball-screen once every two minutes for the course of an entire season, and that only counts the possessions where those actions resulted in a shot or a turnover.

That’s insane.

And given the direction the NBA is heading, the success that Hayes had in that kind of action is notable. As I mentioned, he is a terrific passer that can makes all of the reads when he is going to his dominant left hand. He can get to the rim, his floater is solid and he has the size (6-foot-5) to be able to see over defenses. Where he struggles a bit is when he is forced to go to his right. He also was an inconsistent three-point shooter, hitting just 29 percent while attempting more than three threes per game. The stroke doesn’t look bad, and he has terrific feet and handle, creating all kinds of space for himself to get step-back jumpers off.

The key is his jumper. If that comes around, if he develops into a guy that can play on or off the ball, he’ll be a great pick up at No. 6. But that is a big ‘if’.

7. Chicago Bulls: DENI AVDIJA, Maccabi Tel-Aviv

Details: 19 years old, 6-foot-9, 218 lbs
Key Stats: 12.3 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 2.4 apg, 37.5% 3PT

The intrigue with Avdija is the shooting and playmaking that he provides as a 6-foot-9 power forward type. At the lower levels of international basketball, he played as something of a point forward, and while he’s someone that profiles more as a complimentary players that a full Luka Doncic, his ability to pass and operate in pick-and-rolls at his size is going to make him a useful player down the road.

The key for Avdija long-term is two-fold: What does he turn into defensively, and how well can he shoot the ball? He’s never consistently shot it at a high percentage from beyond the arc, and that’s concerning given the fact that he has consistently been a sub-70 percent FT shooter throughout his time in the youth ranks. But passing translates, size translates and shooting can be taught. If he continues to improve defensively, he’s got a chance to be a good starter in the league for a long time.

8. Charlotte Hornets: ONYEKA OKONGWU, USC

Details: 19 years old, 6-foot-9, 245 lbs
Key Stats: 16.2 ppg, 8.6 rpg, 2.7 bpg, 1.2 spg, 72% FT
Full Scouting Report

For me, the intrigue with Okongwu is pretty simple. He is a 6-foot-9 five that is an explosive athlete with an already-sturdy frame. He produced at the college level, both as a scorer, a rebounder and a rim protector, and has shown some pretty solid post moves for a 19-year old. He can defend the rim. He’s athletic enough that being a switchable five seems like his floor. He has a soft touch around the basket, and while he’s shooting just 15-for-35 on jumpers this season, according to Synergy, he’s 9-for-19 on jumpers inside 17 feet and shooting 72 percent from the free throw line on 143 free throws.

Worst-case scenario, Okongwu turns into an off-the-bench big that provides energy, rebounding and defense. If the jumper — and, especially, the passing — comes along, he can be much more than that.

9. Washington Wizards: TYRESE HALIBURTON, Iowa State

Details: 20 years old, 6-foot-5, 175 lbs
Key Stats: 15.2 ppg, 6.5 apg, 5.9 rpg, 41.9% 3PT
Full Scouting Report

Haliburton’s numbers jump off the page. At 6-foot-5, he’s a lead guard with terrific vision that can throw every pass a point guard is going to be asked to make. He’s an excellent three-point shooter that has positional size and has shown himself to be, at the very least, adequate as an on- and off-ball defender. He was the best player on the floor for Team USA at the U-19 World Championships over the summer. All of that adds up.

If there is a concern with Haliburton, it’s his physical tools. He’s not an explosive athlete and, at 175 pounds, there are valid concerns about how well he is going to handle the rigors of getting to the rim in the NBA. He also has a slow, funky release on his jumper — think Shawn Marion. Will he be able to get that shot off at the next level?

I’m high on Haliburton because, after seeing the way that elite passers like Luka Doncic, Ja Morant and Trae Young have thrived early in their NBA career, I’m willing to take the risk on a 6-foot-5 point guard that can make those passes in a year where the opportunity of rolling the dice at the top is relatively low.

10. Phoenix Suns: DEVIN VASSELL, Florida State

Details: 19 years old, 6-foot-6, 180 lbs
Key Stats: 12.7 ppg, 1.4 spg, 1.0 bpg, 42% 3PT

Vassell was one of the breakout stars of the ACC, leading a good Florida State team in scoring and doubles as their best three-point shooter. He’s got the size and the length to be a good defender at the NBA level, and he’s proven to be a playmaker on that end of the floor — he averaged 1.4 steals and 1.0 blocks. Playing for Leonard Hamilton, you can be sure he got plenty of reps switching defensively and guarding bigger and smaller players. He’s not much of a playmaker on the offensive end, and at 180 pounds, he definitely needs to add some weight to his frame. But he’s precisely what you look for as a 3-and-D wing. In a 2020 NBA Mock Draft where it’s hard to find sure things, Vassell, on paper, seems to be as close to a known quantity as you are going to get in this range.

PBT’S 2020 MOCK DRAFT PODCAST

11. San Antonio Spurs: (Open)
12. Sacramento Kings: (5:52)
13. New Orleans Pelicans: (8:58)
14. Portland Trail Blazers: (13:50)
15. Orlando Magic: (19:01)
16. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Brooklyn Nets): (21:32)
17. Boston Celtics (via Memphis Grizzlies): (25:53)
18. Dallas Mavericks: (28:10)
19. Milwaukee Bucks (via Indiana Pacers): (30:30)
20. Brooklyn Nets (via Philadelphia 76ers): (36:54)
21. Denver Nuggets (via Houston Rockets): (40:34)
22. Philadelphia 76ers (via Oklahoma City Thunder): (44:27)
23. Miami Heat: (46:10)
24. Utah Jazz: (49:07)
25. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Denver Nuggets): (51:20)
26. Boston Celtics: (53:02)
27. New York Knicks (via Los Angeles Clippers): (56:34)
28. Toronto Raptors: (58:24)
29. Los Angeles Lakers: (1:00:12)
30. Boston Celtics (via Milwaukee Bucks): (1:03:46)

11. San Antonio Spurs: PRECIOUS ACHIUWA, Memphis

Details: 20 years old, 6-foot-9, 225 lbs
Key Stats: 15.8 ppg, 10.8 rpg, 1.9 bpg, 1.1 spg, 33% 3PT

The biggest question mark for me when it comes to Achiuwa is whether or not he is going embrace what he actually is. For my money, he’s something of a poor man’s Bam Adebayo, a big man that can be used at the four and, ideally, as a small-ball five. He plays hard, he has a 7-foot-2 wingspan and he’s proven himself as a rebounder. He also has some perimeter skill, and he did make some threes this season. There’s a market for that in the NBA, and it’s a role Achiuwa should be able to thrive in.

But is that what he wants to be? Or does he think that he’s a three? The potential is there for Achiuwa to be effective as a face-up forward against bigger, slower centers. I’m not sure the same can be said for him as a three. Remember, Achiuwa will turn 21 years old before he plays in his first NBA game. He was a freshman this season and he is just two months younger than Kaleb Wesson, who was a junior. If Achiuwa embraces who he is, he has a long and profitable basketball career in front of him.

12. Sacramento Kings: AARON NESMITH, Vanderbilt

Details: 20 years old, 6-foot-6, 213 lbs
Key Stats: 23 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 52.2% 3PT, 8.2 3PAs

Again, this one is pretty simple for me. Nesmith is a 6-foot-6 wing with a 6-foot-10 wingspan that was shooting a ridiculous 52.2% from three while taking more than eight threes per game before suffering a foot injury that ended his season. He’s not the most explosive athlete, but he was one of the most improved players in the country before he got hurt. I’m willing to take a bet on a guard with those measureables when he’s a hard enough worker to go from 33.7 percent shooting as a freshman to this. That’s the kind of leap that Buddy Hield made heading into his senior season. Nesmith is just a sophomore.

That said, Hield won at a significantly higher clip than Nesmith did, and Hield did it against Big 12 competition. Nesmith’s season was cut short before he really got into the teeth of SEC play. But I’d be willing to roll the dice on his shooting carrying him to a role in the league.

13. New Orleans Pelicans: COLE ANTHONY, North Carolina

Details: 19 years old, 6-foot-3, 190 lbs
Key Stats: 18.5 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 4.0 apg, 35% 3PT

I’m torn on Cole as a prospect. On the one hand, I love everything about the way he is wired. He’s tough, confident and competitive, the ultimate alpha. He’s a worker that will put in the hours in the gym. Given the way he grew up, he’s not going to be intimidated by anything. In an era where draft prospects are quitting their teams, what they call “shutting it down”, midseason once they’ve earned a spot near the top of the lottery, Cole fought back from a knee injury that required surgery to get back on the court and fight with his team despite the fact that they really don’t have much left to play for during the season.

I respect that. If I’m an NBA GM, I want players wired that way.

The problem with Cole is the way that he plays. He’s tough and athletic, but given his average height and length, he’s more or less going to have to guard point guards at the next level. I’m not sure he’s quite good enough to be the guy in the NBA that he has been throughout his career. He plays like Russell Westbrook, a hyper-kinetic athlete that is a streaky, sometimes inefficient shooter with a limited passing range that has a habit of dribbling the air out of the ball and shooting his team out of games on off nights. He’ll be 20 years old by the time he’s drafted. How much more room is there for him to change?

What I will say is this: Anthony did become a better passer later in the season, as he gained more confidence in his teammates and after he went through a stretch where he was shooting the Tar Heels out of games. That’s a good sign, but I still have my doubts.

NBA DRAFT PROSPECT PROFILES

14. Portland Trail Blazers: SADDIQ BEY, Villanova

Details: 20 years old, 6-foot-8, 216 lbs
Key Stats: 16.1 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 2.4 apg, 45% 3PT
Full Scouting Report

Saddiq Bey is the third guy that I would want to be higher than anyone on, because I think that he has a chance to be one of the best players to come out of this 2020 NBA Mock Draft. Bey is something of a late-bloomer. He’s was a 6-foot-1 guard when he was a sophomore, and according to the Villanova coaching staff, he has actually grown an inch or two since he arrived on campus. He’s listed at 6-foot-8 and may be closer to 6-foot-9 by the time it’s all said and done.

Bey’s shooting ability speaks for itself. He hit 45 percent of his threes while shooting more than five per game, and he finished in the 98th percentile nationally in spot-up shooting, according to Synergy. He has shown some playmaking ability, and while he’s not much of an off-the-dribble shooter at this point in his development, he is capable of playing as the handler in ball-screen actions. Most importantly, as we have seen with the wings that have come out of the Villanova program of late, they just know how to play. You won’t see the floor there if you don’t, and given the fact that Bey was asked to be the do-it-all point guard on his high school team, he has experience being more than just a scorer.

But the thing that has really stood out about Bey since he arrived on the Main Line is his ability to defend. He’s the best defender in the program, and while Villanova has not always been known for how they guard, they were the second-best defensive team in the Big East behind Seton Hall, who was a top-eight defense nationally. They’ve put him on lightening quick point guards like Devon Dotson and Kamar Baldwin, and Villanova’s tendency to switch means that Bey has spent plenty of time guarding bigs as well.

So what we have here is a multi-positional defender that shoots the cover off the ball and can be a playmaker off the bounce. I think he’s just as good of a prospect as Mikal Bridges, Donte DiVincenzo, Eric Paschall and Josh Hart, and all four of those guys have turned into players that will last in the NBA for a while. Bey is next in line.

15. Orlando Magic: TYRESE MAXEY, Kentucky

Details: 19 years old, 6-foot-3, 198 pounds
Key Stats: 14.0 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 3.2 apg, 29% 3PT

Taking a risk on Maxey this high in the 2020 NBA Mock Draft means betting on the fact that his 29 percent three-point shooting as a freshman has more to do with adjusting to the college level than it does his actual shooting ability. Coming through high school, Maxey had the reputation for being a big-time scorer because of his ability to make deep jumpers off the bounce and because of the way that he can finish around the rim with a variety of floaters and layups.

And while he would show flashes of being the dominant scorer Kentucky needed him to be, the Wildcats late-season surge was a direct result of Immanuel Quickley’s improvement, not Maxey finding consistency. We spent the entire season saying “just wait until Maxey finds his stroke” and he never really did. He needs to be able to make that shot because the rest of his game is somewhat limited. He’s not a natural creator, he’s wired to score more than anything else, and he certainly isn’t an elite athlete by NBA combo-guard standards, although he is a pretty good on-ball defender. He’s also a worker, and by all accounts a great kid and competitor. I think there’s a real chance his ceiling is as a second-unit scorer, but if it all comes together I can see him putting together a career on par with Lou Williams.

16. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Brooklyn Nets): JOSH GREEN, Arizona

Details: 19 years old, 6-foot-6, 210 lbs
Key Stats: 12.0 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 36% 3PT

Green is a consistent jumper away from being a guy that can stick in the league as a role player for a decade. He’s really athletic, he’s terrific in transition and he’s a willing defender that gives effort. He can be coached up on that end. But he was limited as a scorer in the half court — 1.19 PPP in transition vs. 0.825 in the half court — and part of that is due to the fact that he shot just 33.3 percent on jumpers in half court offense.

17. Boston Celtics (via Memphis Grizzlies): PATRICK WILLIAMS, Florida State

Details: 18 years old, 6-foot-8, 225 lbs
Key Stats: 9.2 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 32% 3PT

The numbers look fairly pedestrian, admittedly, but putting them in context is important: Williams was coming off the bench for a Florida State team that goes 11 deep and gives everyone pretty equal minutes. No one ever puts up huge numbers in a Leonard Hamilton program. What they do is incubate players that project as role guys in the league. At 6-foot-8, Williams is a terrific athlete and a burgeoning defender and that can protect the rim and guard out on the perimeter when needed. And while the shooting stroke was somewhat inconsistent this past season, the potential is there — he did shoot 84 percent from three this year.

18. Dallas Mavericks: R.J HAMPTON, New Zealand

Details: 19 years old, 6-foot-5, 188 lbs
Key Stats: 9.5 ppg, 2.5 apg, 1.3 spg, 31.7% 3PT

Hampton is a kid that has quite a bit of potential, but he’ll need time to develop at the next level. He’s a 6-foot-5 guard that can play on or off the ball, but needs to continue to develop his ball-handling and his perimeter jumper to be able to do either at the NBA level. He has the length, quickness and athleticism to be able to defend either backcourt spot in time, but he is something of a late-bloomer that needs to put on some weight and strength. He’ll try defensively, too, but he needs to be coached up. Again, that will come with time.

The biggest concern I have with Hampton — who played this past season in Australia — is that I’m not sure if he has an elite skill yet.

19. Milwaukee Bucks (via Indiana Pacers): JADEN MCDANIELS, Washington

Details: 19 years old, 6-foot-10, 200 lbs
Key Stats: 13.0 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 2.1 apg, 1.4 bpg, 34% 3PT

On the one hand, it is very easy to see why McDaniels is such a tantalizing prospect. Players with his size and his length aren’t supposed to be able to do the things that he does on the perimeter. He has impressive handle, he can knock down tough perimeter jumpers and every once in a while he will do something during a game that will make it to the House of Highlights page. His ‘wow’ moments pop.

On the other hand, McDaniels is 200 pounds soaking wet with slender shoulders and skinny legs. He hasn’t handled contact all that well this season, and he is not all that explosive of an athlete. And during Pac-12 play, all of the red flags came to the forefront. Emotional outbursts led to far too many technical fouls. He led the Pac-12 in fouls and turnovers. He averaged just 11 points during conference play. He was benched for the last ten games, and Washington wasn’t definitively better with him on the floor.

He’s the lottery ticket in this 2020 NBA mock draft.

20. Brooklyn Nets (via Philadelphia 76ers): TYLER BEY, Colorado

Details: 22 years old, 6-foot-7, 218 lbs
Key Stats: 13.8 ppg, 9.0 apg, 1.5 spg, 1.2 bpg, 41.9% 3PT

Bey is one of the most underrated players in this year’s draft class. At 6-foot-7, he’s an exceptionally springy athlete that has proven himself to be an impact rebounder at the collegiate level throughout his career. He’s also proven himself to be a playmaker defensive – averaging more than a block and a steal per game as a redshirt junior – while hitting 42 percent of his threes this past season. The consistency of his jumper may end up being what determines whether he sticks in the NBA for good. He profiles as a versatile forward at the next level in a draft where, in the late-first and early-second, there aren’t many of those available.

21. Denver Nuggets (via Houston Rockets): TRE JONES, Duke

Details: 20 years old, 6-foot-3, 185 lbs
Key Stats: 16.2 ppg, 6.4 apg, 1.8 spg, 36.1% 3PT

Jones is a really good passer, a terrific defender and the kind of point guard that checks all the cliche boxes about being a winner, a leader and a facilitator. He was the ACC Player of the Year and the ACC Defensive Player of the Year. His box score numbers were impressive, and his impact on basketball games goes well beyond the box score.

But more importantly, his jump shot showed real, tangible improvement. Jones made 36 percent of his threes and shot four of them per night. In catch-and-shoot situations, he made 40 percent of his jumpers and hit them at a 1.18 points-per-possession clip (or a 59% eFG, which was in the 82nd percentile nationally). His pull-up game isn’t there yet, but if he went from being a guy that teams flat-out did not guard beyond 12 feet as a freshman to a 36 percent shooter as a sophomore, whose to say his pull-up game won’t be next?

If Jones never gets any better, if this is who he is for the rest of his basketball career, he’s a backup point guard in the league until he doesn’t want to play anymore. If he continues to develop his shot, however, he could end up being a starting point guard. I find it hard to believe this kid isn’t going to keep getting better. In a draft like this, that’s great value this late.

22. Philadelphia 76ers (via Oklahoma City Thunder): JAHMI’US RAMSEY, Texas Tech

Details: 18 years old, 6-foot-4, 195 lbs
Key Stats: 15.0 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 43% 3PT

I’ve gone through stages with Ramsey. I loved him in high school. I was frustrated by him early on in his college career, as Texas Tech worked through figuring out what the best way to use him is. What they’ve settled on is as a scorer and an elite shot-maker. The big red flag for me is that I expected Ramsey to play the Jarrett Culver-Keenan Evans role for Texas Tech, but he’s not that guy because he is not on their level at creating out of ball-screens or as a passer. Since he is only 6-foot-4, that’s something to monitor in the longterm.

But he’s a bouncy athlete that can play in transition, shoots the cover off of the ball and should be able to attack closeouts. The two major question marks are on the defensive end of the floor and shooting off of the dribble, but those are things that can be improved with time. He’s not the player that I thought he would be, but he’s still good enough that using a top 25 pick on him makes sense.

23. Miami Heat: XAVIER TILLMAN, Michigan State

Details: 21 years old, 6-foot-8, 245 lbs
Key Stats: 13.7 ppg, 10.3 rpg, 3.0 apg, 2.1 bpg, 1.2 spg

I may be out on a limb here, but I truly believe that Tillman is worth a first round pick, especially in this year’s draft class. There’s really two reasons for this: For starters, he is a terrific passer. No one in college basketball is better than making the right play in a 4-on-3 scenario when the defense traps a pick-and-roll ball-handler than Tillman. But he is also an excellent defender that can really read the game. Talk to people around the Michigan State program and they’ll tell you he ran everything defensively. It was his voice that teammates heard. Now, the major question mark is his size. At just 6-foot-8, can he defend fives? Is he quick enough to play the four? If we knew for a fact that the answer to both of those questions would be ‘yes, and he can do it very well,’ I would have him slotted as a top 20 pick.

The first clip here shows how effective he can be as the fulcrum of an offense. The second? Men his size aren’t supposed to be able to avoid a charge like that. pic.twitter.com/5EUGu4EUql

— Rob Dauster (@RobDauster) January 4, 2020

24. Utah Jazz: KIRA LEWIS, Alabama

Details: 18 years old, 6-foot-3, 165 lbs
Key Stats: 18.5 ppg, 5.2 apg, 4.8 rpg, 1.7 spg, 37% 3PT

Lewis checks a lot of boxes. He’s young for a sophomore — he enrolled at Alabama as a 17-year old and won’t turn 19 until April — and he put up huge numbers for an Alabama team that is built to run, run, run and shoot nothing but threes and layups. He also shot 37 percent from three for the second consecutive season. He’s slender, he’s turnover prone and part of the reason he produced as much as he did this season was because of the pace that Alabama played at. He’s worth a first round pick, especially considering his age.

25. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Denver Nuggets): THEO MALEDON, ASVEL

Details: 18 years old, 6-foot-4, 185 lbs
Key Stats: 7.3 ppg, 2.7 apg

Maledon is an interesting prospect in a couple of different senses. On the one hand, he was 16 years old when he started getting senior minutes for an ASVEL club that make it back to the Euroleague this year. He’s trained with the French senior national team. He started 23 of the 46 games that he played in. But his role fluctuated throughout the season, his consistency waned and he battled a shoulder injury throughout the season. But he is a 6-foot-4 guard that can play on or off the ball that has shown the ability to play at a high level throughout his career.

26. Boston Celtics: ISAIAH STEWART, Washington

Details: 18 years old, 6-foot-9, 250 lbs
Key Stats: 17.0 ppg, 8.8 rpg, 2.1 bpg, 77% FT

What you see is what you get with Stewart. He’s a tireless rebounder that, at 250 pounds of solid muscle, is ready to compete in the paint against NBA bigs right now. He’s a good post scorer that has shown some glimpses of being able to make threes — the Washington staff will tell you he’s lights out in practice. That’s the good. The bad is that he is an undersized center at 6-foot-9 that doesn’t have the length or explosiveness to be able to protect the rim at the NBA level, and while he’ll put in the effort to guard on the perimeter, he has never really shown that ability. Playing in that Washington zone hasn’t helped quell those concerns, either. He’s tough, he has a motor, he’s really good at the things that he does well, but if he’s not going to protect the rim or guard on the perimeter, where does he fit in the modern NBA?

I also think Stewart is the kind of guy that will be hurt by the fact that there won’t be any workouts. He’s an impressive interview that could show off his shooting and, at least in theory, prove what he can do defensively.

27. New York Knicks (via Los Angeles Clippers): JALEN SMITH, Maryland

Details: 20 years old, 6-foot-10, 225 lbs
Key Stats: 15.5 ppg, 10.5 rpg, 2.4 bpg, 37 3PT%

Stix Smith was one of the best players in college basketball over the course of the last month. He’s a pogo-stick athletically that stsrted to make threes on a consistent basis. I’m worried about his frame — he checks in at 225 pounds, but looks like he’s closer to 200 pounds — and I’m not sure how much of a weapon he is offensively beyond being a spot-up shooter. Defensively, he can protect the rim, but will that translate to the NBA, where every five he goes up against will have 20 pounds on him? And while he is a terrific athlete, he plays stiff and upright. I’m not sure how well he will use that athleticism without a runway for takeoff.

All that said, over the course of the last eight weeks of the season, Smith’s potential turned into production. It was the biggest reason Maryland looked like one of the best teams in the country down the stretch. I’m willing to bet on him at the back end of the first round.

28. Toronto Raptors: DANIEL OTURU, Minnesota

Details: 20 years old, 6-foot-10, 240 lbs
Key Stats: 20.1 ppg, 11.3 rpg, 2.5 bpg, 37% 3PT

In a league where seemingly every team had a dominant interior player, Daniel Oturu has been arguably the best two-way center in the Big Ten. The numbers that he put up speak for themselves. He was one of the most improved players in the country. He doesn’t have the greatest feel for the game, and he’s something of a blackhole when he does get the ball in his hands, but he has shown off a bit of three-point range and is actually able to put the ball on the floor and make things happen off the bounce. I think his fit as a five in the NBA is better than some of the bigs slotted in front of him.

29. Los Angeles Lakers: CASSIUS WINSTON, Michigan State

Details: 22 years old, 6-foot-1, 185 lbs
Key Stats: 18.6 ppg, 5.9 apg, 43% 3PT

Winston did not have the season many of us expected him to have as a senior — understandably, given the death of his brother in November — but he still put up All-American numbers for a team that won a share of the Big Ten regular season title. He was playing his best basketball down the stretch, and he still have the highest basketball IQ of anyone in this 2020 NBA mock draft. He’s an elite passer and shooter that thrives in ball-screens. Yes, the defense and athleticism are concerns, but we said the same thing about numerous point guards that have made careers out of being backup point guards. Winston is the next in that pipeline.

30. Boston Celtics (via Milwaukee Bucks): NICO MANNION, Arizona

Details: 19 years old, 6-foot-3, 190 lbs
Key Stats: 14.0 ppg, 5.3 apg, 33% 3PT

I’m not sure whether or not Mannion will actually get drafted this high, but I’m willing to rank him this high because of what his floor is in a draft where there are a number of prospects that could end up being total busts. To me, Mannion has the same kind of prospect profile as the likes of Jalen Brunson, or Fred VanVleet, or T.J. McConnell, or Ryan Arcidiacono. He’s a guy that, at worst, will spend a decade playing in the NBA as a backup point guard because of his basketball IQ, his ability to makes shots and the fact that he can operate in a pick-and-roll.

My concern with drafting him this high is that he doesn’t really have an NBA skill. He’s a good athlete but not a great athlete, and that isn’t helped by the fact that his wingspan is reportedly 6-foot-2.5. He’s not great at beating defenders off the dribble in the halfcourt, which is a problem for an NBA point guard. He’s a good shooter but he’s not a great shooter. He’s a high-level passer but he’s not Trae Young or Luka Doncic. He tries defensively but he just doesn’t have the physical tools to be a lockdown defender. I’m just not sure what he does that truly sets him apart, and the fact that he was the leader of an Arizona team that kept losing games they shouldn’t lose is concerning.

Source link

The post Source: Ohio State's Seth Towns detained, not arrested, during protest first appeared on Bad Sporters.

Police: Member of 'fatigue clad group' stopped near Sunday Troy protest charged; Faces weapons count

admin — Mon, 08 Jun 2020 18:07:22 +0000

TROY – A member of a “fatigue clad group” stopped by Troy Police near Sunday’s protest against police brutality has been charged with a felony weapons count as the overall investigation remains ongoing, police said Monday.

Police identified the man as Noah Latham, 22, of Fort Drumm. He faces one count of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, a felony, police said.

Additional charges are possible against other members of the group, police said.

In a release, police said the apprehension of the group averted “what may have become a violent encounter.”

Police detained the men in an area where more than 11,000 people gathered Sunday to march against police brutality and systemic racism, the largest such gathering in the region. They gathered at Riverfront Park to listen to speakers at a rally that took on a bloc party-type atmosphere and also protest at the Troy Police Department.

GAZETTE COVERAGE

Our subscribers help us bring this information to you. Please consider a subscription at DailyGazette.com/Subscribe

The incident began Sunday afternoon at about 4:30 p.m. as police received intelligence that a group of suspicious people were downtown wearing fatigue type clothing. The group made its way up Ferry Street to the City Station garage on Sixth Avenue, police said.

Troy Police and other officers soon stopped the group “in the interest of keeping citizens safe” and soon found members of the group were armed with handguns, police said.

Police then took the group in for questioning on their motives and whether the weapons were legally possessed, police said.

Three vehicles belonging to the group were also towed for the investigation and are awaiting the execution of search warrants, police said.

“The quick action by officers that apprehended the group as well as the members, both in uniform and plain clothes that were conducting surveillance and providing the security for the demonstration, are commended for averting what may have become a violent encounter that day,” a police release read.

Latham was arraigned in Troy City Court, police said. His custody status wasn’t immediately available early Monday afternoon.

Correction 1:42 p.m.: Police initially released the incorrect degree of charge against Latham. He has been charged with second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, not third-degree.

More on Sunday’s Troy march:

Source link

The post Police: Member of 'fatigue clad group' stopped near Sunday Troy protest charged; Faces weapons count first appeared on Bad Sporters.

‘We want change. We want justice.’ Giannis Antetokounmpo, Sterling Brown and other Bucks players join Milwaukee protest – Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

admin — Mon, 08 Jun 2020 00:07:26 +0000

Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo and teammates marched with a group protesting racial injustice in Milwaukee.

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

The protest marches in Milwaukee added some star power on Saturday evening.

Several Milwaukee Bucks players, including reigning NBA most valuable player Giannis Antetokounmpo, joined local activist Frank Nitty as protesters marched down 27th Street.

Antetokounmpo was joined by Bucks teammates Sterling Brown, Donte DiVincenzo, Brook Lopez, two-way player Frank Mason II and Thanasis Antetokounmpo, Giannis’ brother.

The group wore identical gray T-shirts with the slogan “I can’t breathe” printed on the front. All the players wore masks and gloves due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The Bucks players met the marchers as they crossed the 27th St. Bridge over Interstate 94. They arrived in U-Haul vans and handed out beverages and snacks.

Giannis’ girlfriend, Mariah Riddlesprigger, and their young son, Liam, also made an appearance.

In the below video, Antetokounmpo begins to speak about 30 minutes in.

Protest 3 day 9????

Posted by Frank Nitty II on Saturday, June 6, 2020

“This is our city, man,” Antetokounmpo said. “We got to come out here and support.”

The crowd roared its approval.

“We want change, we want justice, and that’s why we’re out here,” Antetokounmpo said. “That’s what we’re going to do today. That’s why I’m going to march with you.

“I want my kid to grow up here in Milwaukee, and not to be scared to walk in the streets. I don’t want my kid to have hate in his heart.”

Buy Photo

Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo and some of his teammates march with a group protesting racial injustice on Saturday, June 6, near North 27th Street and West Wisconsin Avenue in Milwaukee. The group they were with joined a larger group led by activist Frank Nitty and continued their march. (Photo: Mark Hoffman / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

The players then marched behind Nitty.

Brown’s participation in the march is particularly poignant. In January 2018, a group of Milwaukee Police Department officers took Brown to the ground, tased and arrested him after a parking violation at a Walgreens, prompting an internal investigation that ended with several officers suspended and others retrained. Brown was not charged in the incident.

Brown has filed a lawsuit against the city. He rejected a $400,000 settlement offer.

The Bucks haven’t played since early March when the coronavirus prompted the suspension of the NBA season. On Friday, the NBA players approved a plan to return to action in late July at Disney World in Orlando.

RELATED: ‘I’m just like you:’ Former Bucks player Jabari Parker joins protests in Milwaukee

Contact Ben Steele at (414) 224-2676 or bmsteele@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @BenSteeleMJS or Instagram at @bensteele_mjs

Source link

The post ‘We want change. We want justice.’ Giannis Antetokounmpo, Sterling Brown and other Bucks players join Milwaukee protest – Milwaukee Journal Sentinel first appeared on Bad Sporters.

Saints quarterback Drew Brees tells Trump he stands by apology over comments about anthem protest – Daily Mail

admin — Sat, 06 Jun 2020 15:19:19 +0000

Drew Brees directly responded to President Trump’s criticism of the NFL star on Friday – a day after the Saints quarterback apologized for saying that players who knelt during the national anthem were disrespecting the flag.

On Instagram, Brees on Friday posted a graphic showing a gray box with the words ‘To President Trump’ written in the middle.

The caption read: ‘Through my ongoing conversations with friends, teammates, and leaders in the black community, I realize this is not an issue about the American flag.

‘It has never been. We can no longer use the flag to turn people away or distract them from the real issues that face our black communities.

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (left) told President Trump (right) on social media that he stands by his apology for saying earlier this week that athletes who take a knee during the national anthem as a form of protest were disrespecting the military

On Instagram, Brees on Friday posted a graphic showing a gray box with the words ‘To President Trump’ written in the middle

The caption read: ‘Through my ongoing conversations with friends, teammates, and leaders in the black community, I realize this is not an issue about the American flag’

‘We did this back in 2017, and regretfully I brought it back with my comments this week.

‘We must stop talking about the flag and shift our attention to the real issues of systemic racial injustice, economic oppression, police brutality, and judicial & prison reform.

‘We are at a critical juncture in our nation’s history! If not now, then when?

‘We as a white community need to listen and learn from the pain and suffering of our black communities.

‘We must acknowledge the problems, identify the solutions, and then put this into action.

‘The black community cannot do it alone. This will require all of us.’

Earlier on Friday, Trump called out Brees for backing down from his earlier criticism on Wednesday, when the NFL star was quoted as saying that he didn’t agree with protesters who knelt during the national anthem.

(From left) Brittney Brees, Drew Brees, Melania Trump and Donald Trump pictured at the college football national championship game at the Superdome in New Orleans

President Donald Trump is wading back into the debate over NFL player protests by condemning Drew Brees’s recent apology for calling the peaceful demonstrations ‘disrespectful’ to the military

Brees apologized on Thursday for comments he made one day earlier that he described as ‘insensitive and completely missed the mark.’

He said on Wednesday that he ‘will never agree with anybody disrespecting the flag of the United States of America or our country’ while reiterating his objection to NFL players who kneel during the national anthem.

Brees, who had previously disagreed with the protests started by Colin Kaepernick, repeated his opposition to kneeling during the national anthem in an interview with Yahoo Finance on Wednesday.

Numerous black athletes, including NBA star LeBron James, expressed outrage at Brees.

Several of Brees’ New Orleans teammates were among the NFL players who were irate.

The biting backlash that followed prompted the Saints’ star quarterback to issue a several apologies on Thursday, first writing that he ‘missed the mark’ and then promising to ‘do better’ in his self-made video.

In the apology video, Brees also referenced the recent killing of Ahmad Arbery, the black man who was shot to death by a former cop and his son while he was jogging in Georgia.

‘I wish I would have laid out what was on my heart in regards to the George Floyd murder, Ahmaud Arbery, the years and years of social injustice, police brutality and the need for so much reform and change in regards to legislation and so many other things to bring equality to our black communities,’ Brees said.

‘I am sorry and I will do better and I will be part of the solution and I am your ally.’

Trump, though, said on his Twitter account that he doesn’t think Brees needed to issue an apology.

Several of Brees’ teammates, including Demario Davis, Cameron Jordan, and Michael Thomas, took to social media and praised the quarterback for his apology. ‘A big part of leadership is admitting when you are wrong, and correcting your mistake,’ Davis tweeted

Jordan responded to Davis, tweeting: ‘Only through open dialogue & open hearts can we expand our comprehension and only in courage can we create positive change!’

Thomas, a wide receiver who catches passes from Brees, tweeted: ‘My QB!’ He added an emoji showing a flexed bicep muscle.

‘I am a big fan of Drew Brees. I think he’s truly one of the greatest quarterbacks, but he should not have taken back his original stance on honoring our magnificent American Flag. OLD GLORY is to be revered, cherished, and flown high. …

‘We should be standing up straight and tall, ideally with a salute, or a hand on heart.

‘There are other things you can protest, but not our Great American Flag – NO KNEELING!’

Several of Brees’ teammates, including Demario Davis, Cameron Jordan, and Michael Thomas, took to social media and praised the quarterback for his apology.

‘A big part of leadership is admitting when you are wrong, and correcting your mistake,’ Davis tweeted.

‘A model that All of America can follow, admit the wrong done to the black community, fix the issues and WE ALL move forward together.

‘Let’s all stand together now and find solutions.’

Jordan responded to Davis, tweeting: ‘Only through open dialogue & open hearts can we expand our comprehension and only in courage can we create positive change!’

Thomas, a wide receiver who catches passes from Brees, tweeted: ‘My QB!’

He added an emoji showing a flexed bicep muscle.

Trump’s comments came hours before NFL commissioner Roger Goodell apologized and said that the league was wrong for not listening to players and their concerns about social justice and racism.

Social injustice has been a major source of tension in the NFL since former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick began kneeling before games during the 2016 season to bring attention to police brutality.

Drew Brees posted a video on Instagram to apologize again for his comments about protests

Brees did not run away from criticism in his apology on Instagram: ‘In an attempt to talk about respect, unity, and solidarity centered around the American flag and the national anthem, I made comments that were insensitive and completely missed the mark on the issues we are facing right now as a country’

Kaepernick hasn’t played in an NFL game since that year.

The NFL’s relationship with black players is under scrutiny in the wake of the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

A group of players requested the NFL take strong action on Thursday in a video directed at Goodell and other NFL officials.

Floyd, a black man, died on May 25 after white Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin kneeled on his neck for more than eight minutes in an incident caught on cell phones.

Chauvin was charged with second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.

Three other officers – Thomas Lane, J. Alexander Kueng and Tou Thao – were arrested and charged with aiding and abetting both a second-degree murder and a second-degree manslaughter.

BREES’S ORIGINAL COMMENT TO YAHOO! FINANCE ON PROTESTS

‘I will never agree with anybody disrespecting the flag of the United States of America or our country. Let me just tell what I see or what I feel when the national anthem is played and when I look at the flag of the United States. I envision my two grandfathers, who fought for this country during World War II, one in the Army and one in the Marine Corps. Both risking their lives to protect our country and to try to make our country and this world a better place. So every time I stand with my hand over my heart looking at that flag and singing the national anthem, that’s what I think about. And in many cases, that brings me to tears, thinking about all that has been sacrificed. Not just those in the military, but for that matter, those throughout the civil rights movements of the ’60s, and all that has been endured by so many people up until this point. And is everything right with our country right now? No, it is not. We still have a long way to go. But I think what you do by standing there and showing respect to the flag with your hand over your heart, is it shows unity. It shows that we are all in this together, we can all do better and that we are all part of the solution.’

-Drew Brees to Yahoo! Finance on June 3

Source link

The post Saints quarterback Drew Brees tells Trump he stands by apology over comments about anthem protest – Daily Mail first appeared on Bad Sporters.

Man accused of inciting violence during Pittsburgh protest now facing federal charges

admin — Sat, 06 Jun 2020 12:58:39 +0000

UPDATE: Brian Bartels is now facing federal charges in connection with his alleged actions during a protest last weekend, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Pittsburgh said Friday.”Bartels, 20, has been charged with civil disorder for attempting to obstruct or interfere with law enforcement officers engaged in responding to the violent demonstration in Pittsburgh on May 30, 2020,” said a statement from U.S. Attorney Scott Brady’s office.Watch the U.S. attorney’s announcement in the video player above.Bartels is suspected of spray-painting a police car outside PPG Paints Arena and smashing the windshield of the vehicle during what had been a peaceful protest over the death of George Floyd, Brady said. The police car was set on fire after others joined in, Brady said.”His backpack loaded with rocks and spray paint, Bartels came to Saturday’s protest in Pittsburgh to incite violence,” Brady said in a video statement. “Bartels’ actions turned an otherwise peaceful protest into a violent riot that resulted in an evening of destruction throughout downtown Pittsburgh.”Anyone who would do the same should know this — if you try to hijack a peaceful protest for your own violent agenda, we will use every tool at our disposal to find you and prosecute you.”PREVIOUS STORY: A man who Pittsburgh police said is suspected of inciting violence during a protest in Downtown Pittsburgh on Saturday is scheduled to appear in court next week.Brian Jordan Bartels, 20, of Shaler, is scheduled to have a preliminary hearing on Friday, June 12.A mug shot of Bartels was released Wednesday morning.Bartel arrived at police headquarters early Monday evening after a warrant was issued for his arrest. He was accompanied by an attorney, and did not comment as he entered the building.See the suspect arriving at police headquarters: Click the video player below.A criminal complaint shows that Bartels faces felony charges of criminal mischief, institutional vandalism and riot, and misdemeanor counts of recklessly endangering another person.Police said Bartels broke the windows of a marked cruiser in Uptown against the wishes of peaceful protesters who tried to stop him.

PITTSBURGH —

UPDATE: Brian Bartels is now facing federal charges in connection with his alleged actions during a protest last weekend, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Pittsburgh said Friday.

“Bartels, 20, has been charged with civil disorder for attempting to obstruct or interfere with law enforcement officers engaged in responding to the violent demonstration in Pittsburgh on May 30, 2020,” said a statement from U.S. Attorney Scott Brady’s office.

Watch the U.S. attorney’s announcement in the video player above.

Bartels is suspected of spray-painting a police car outside PPG Paints Arena and smashing the windshield of the vehicle during what had been a peaceful protest over the death of George Floyd, Brady said. The police car was set on fire after others joined in, Brady said.

“His backpack loaded with rocks and spray paint, Bartels came to Saturday’s protest in Pittsburgh to incite violence,” Brady said in a video statement. “Bartels’ actions turned an otherwise peaceful protest into a violent riot that resulted in an evening of destruction throughout downtown Pittsburgh.

“Anyone who would do the same should know this — if you try to hijack a peaceful protest for your own violent agenda, we will use every tool at our disposal to find you and prosecute you.”

PREVIOUS STORY: A man who Pittsburgh police said is suspected of inciting violence during a protest in Downtown Pittsburgh on Saturday is scheduled to appear in court next week.

Brian Jordan Bartels, 20, of Shaler, is scheduled to have a preliminary hearing on Friday, June 12.

A mug shot of Bartels was released Wednesday morning.

Bartel arrived at police headquarters early Monday evening after a warrant was issued for his arrest. He was accompanied by an attorney, and did not comment as he entered the building.

See the suspect arriving at police headquarters: Click the video player below.

A criminal complaint shows that Bartels faces felony charges of criminal mischief, institutional vandalism and riot, and misdemeanor counts of recklessly endangering another person.

Police said Bartels broke the windows of a marked cruiser in Uptown against the wishes of peaceful protesters who tried to stop him.

Source link
The post Man accused of inciting violence during Pittsburgh protest now facing federal charges first appeared on Bad Sporters.

23 arrested at London Black Lives Matter protest after ‘cops assaulted’

admin — Mon, 01 Jun 2020 22:06:27 +0000

TWENTY-THREE people have been arrested during a Black Lives Matter protest at the US Embassy in London as fury mounts over the death of George Floyd.

The Met Police confirmed the people were arrested during the protest on suspicion of a number of offences – including assaults on officers.

34

A woman appears to scream as she is held by police during the George Floyd protest in LondonCredit: London News Pictures

34

Police shout at protesters during clashes in LondonCredit: London News Pictures

34

Hundreds turned out for the march in LondonCredit: AFP or licensors

It came as hundreds of activists gathered in the capital holding placards reading “racism has no place” and “no justice, no peace”.

Mr Floyd died after a Minneapolis police officer was filmed kneeling on his neck in a now infamous video.

Protests have occurred in a number of US cities as activists clashed with police – with the demos now spreading to the UK.

In a statement, the Met Police said: “The arrests vary in offences from possession of an offensive weapon to assault on police, obstructing a public carriageway to breaches of Covid legislation.”

34

A woman holds her fist aloft as hundreds protested the death of George FloydCredit: Getty Images – Getty

34

A man wearing an ‘I have a dream’ t-shirt is detained by policeCredit: London News Pictures

34

A woman in a surgical mask holds her fist in the air in front of a police lineCredit: London News Pictures

It added those arrested were between the ages of 17 and 25.

Pictures show protesters being led away by cops today, while videos show scuffles between police and demonstrators.

In one clip, a group of police can be seen shouting “get back” while shoving a number of protesters before a traffic cone is hurled.

However, the protests were largely peaceful as many wore face masks as they stood in solidarity with Black Lives Matter marches taking place across the world.

34

A protester is led away by police outside the US EmbassyCredit: PA:Press Association

34

Cops detain a protester during the scenes in LondonCredit: AP:Associated Press

34

Four officers flank at protester wearing a surgical maskCredit: Reuters

Placards waved by the demonstrators echoed the final words of Mr Floyd as he gasped “I can’t breathe”.

Anger is growing as demonstrations were also seen today in countries such as France, Germany and Denmark – as well as continuing in the US.

Mr Floyd’s death has renewed the focus on allegations of racism and police brutality in the US and across the globe.

34

Police and protests face-off during the George Floyd marchCredit: Represented by ZUMA Press, Inc.

34

A line of police and a line of protesters are seen in LondonCredit: Getty Images – Getty

34

Police and protesters clash during the scenes in LondonCredit: Represented by ZUMA Press, Inc.

Meanwhile, footage showed protesters taking a knee for the 46-year-old in a move made famous by American football player Colin Kaepernick.Kaepernick famously knelt for Terence Crutcher and Keith Lamont Scott following their 2016 deaths at the hands of US police officers.

Other raised their fists in the air as they yelled “no justice, no peace” as they took a stand for Mr Floyd.

The protest started in Trafalgar Square before making its way across Westminster to the US Embassy in London.

Aerial shots showed hundreds of activists marching to the building flanked by police cars along the side of the road.

Other protests also took place across the UK – including in Manchester and Cardiff.

34

A police officer raises his hands as he speaks with a protesterCredit: Getty Images – Getty

34

Police speak to protesters during demonstrations in LondonCredit: London News Pictures

34

Two women hold a banner reading ‘no justice, no peace’Credit: London News Pictures

Reverend Sally Hitchiner, associate vicar at St Martin-in-the-Fields church on Trafalgar Square, said she could see hundreds gathered for the protest from her workplace.She said: “I’m very sympathetic to the issue but also surprised to see the strength of emotion that has gathered people together.

“It’s showing there are people in the UK who care passionately about the situation in the US.

34

A woman speaks to a police officer during the marchCredit: Getty Images – Getty

34

A woman holds a sign up in front of police outside the US EmbassyCredit: London News Pictures

34

Protesters gather in Trafalgar Square today against the killing of George FloydCredit: PA:Press Association

“Clearly they’re not following lockdown and social distancing, but I think there’s a huge amount of passion there and that’s overriding their concerns.

“It’s an issue that requires passion but at the same time there’s a huge amount of risk in what they’re doing.”

She said police appeared to be moving the crowd on from the square by early afternoon.

Tens of thousands of people have joined nightly protests across the US since the death, with at least 1,600 people arrested in 22 cities as some demonstrations descended into violence.

34

Protests are demanding justice for George FloydCredit: London News Pictures

34

The protest is taking place alongside demonstrations in the USCredit: Reuters

34

The protest is now moving towards WestminsterCredit: Reuters

Police officer Derek Chauvin has been sacked and charged with third-degree murder following Mr Floyd’s death.

Earlier on Sunday, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said video footage of Mr Floyd’s death was “very distressing”.

He declined to comment on US President Donald Trump’s response to the widespread protests.

Trump has been criticised after warning on Twitter that “looting leads to shooting”.

He later attempted to clarify his words by further tweeting on Friday: “Looting leads to shooting, and that’s why a man was shot and killed in Minneapolis on Wednesday night – or look at what just happened in Louisville with 7 people shot.

34

A demonstrator holds up a sign in Trafaglar Square todayCredit: Reuters

34

Some activists were wearing face masksCredit: Reuters

34

Mr Floyd was killed this week after a police officer knelt on his neckCredit: Reuters

“I don’t want this to happen, and that’s what the expression put out last night means.”

Mr Raab told Sky’s Sophy Ridge on Sunday: “I’m not going to start commenting on the commentary or indeed the press statements that other world leaders make, or indeed the US president.

“What we do know is that the lead suspect has now been charged with murder, there is a federal review and we want to see de-escalation of all of those tensions and American come together.”

34

The protest in London makes it way to Downing StreetCredit: AFP or licensors

34

The march moves past the US embassy in VauxhallCredit: AFP or licensors

34

Protesters also gathered in Cardiff over the death of George FloydCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Video of Mr Floyd’s death has been viewed millions of times and has shocked the world.

In the clip, Mr Floyd is seen pinned to the ground by Chauvin, who has a knee across his neck.

Chauvin was detaining the 46-year-old on suspicion of forgery.

Mr Floyd is repeatedly heard saying he cannot not breathe, shouting “please, please” and “mama, mama”.

He then goes silent and appears to go limp as Chauvin continues to press his knee onto his neck.

34

Hundreds of protesters also gathered in ManchesterCredit: Rex Features

34

George Floyd was remembered by his loved ones as a ‘gentle giant’

The dad-of-six – described as a “gentle giant” by his family – is then taken away by paramedics and was later pronounced dead.

Protests and outrage quickly took hold – which decided into widespread violence and destruction in Minneapolis, leading to the deployment of the National Guard and imposition of a curfew.

Four days later Chauvin was charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.

34

Chauvin was charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter of George Floyd

Derek Chauvin has been condemned over the video

Mr Floyd’s family welcomed the arrest, but had hoped for a more serious charge.

They also wanted the other three officers involved – Thomas Lane, Tou Thao and J. Alexander Kueng – arrested as they failed to intervene.

Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman said more charges were possible – and the investigation into the other three continues.

All four officers were fired from the force.

SCHOOL OUTBREAK

Seven employees at school test positive for coronavirus after schools open

FADING AWAY

Covid now WEAKER as patients suffer less than 2 months ago, Italian doc claims

COAL COMMANDMENTS

The baffling BBQ rules of what you can and can’t do at pal’s garden party

TURNING THE TIDE

Almost half of trusts in England report NO coronavirus deaths in 48 hours

SEX BAN

Sex at home with person from another household is ILLEGAL – but cops can’t barge in

BENEFITS BOOST

Brits claiming benefits should get £1k virus boost too, watchdog demands

Chauvin allegedly disregarded the concerns of another officer, who wanted to roll Mr Floyd onto his side, according to the criminal complaint.

The papers also said that an autopsy revealed nothing to support strangulation as the cause of death – instead blaming underlying health conditions.

Mr Floyd’s family are now seeking an independent autopsy, saying that the health problems cited in the official report are “an illusion”.

Chauvin is reportedly “effectively on suicide watch”, while video today showed New York cops driving their cruisers into a crowd of protesters as violence continues.

34

The group blocked the road outside the embassyCredit: AFP or licensors

34

The protest was mostly peaceful aside from the arrestsCredit: EPA

34

Demonstrators hold up placards as they make their way to the US Embassy in LondonCredit: AFP or licensors

Anger erupts at protesters over the death of George Floyd

Source link
The post 23 arrested at London Black Lives Matter protest after ‘cops assaulted’ first appeared on Bad Sporters.

23 arrested at London Black Lives Matter protest after ‘cops assaulted’

admin — Mon, 01 Jun 2020 04:09:24 +0000

TWENTY-THREE people have been arrested during a Black Lives Matter protest at the US Embassy in London as fury mounts over the death of George Floyd.

The Met Police confirmed the people were arrested during the protest on suspicion of a number of offences – including assaults on officers.

34

A woman appears to scream as she is held by police during the George Floyd protest in LondonCredit: London News Pictures

34

Police shout at protesters during clashes in LondonCredit: London News Pictures

34

Hundreds turned out for the march in LondonCredit: AFP or licensors

34

A woman holds her fist aloft as hundreds protested the death of George FloydCredit: Getty Images – Getty

34

A man wearing an ‘I have a dream’ t-shirt is detained by policeCredit: London News Pictures

34

A woman in a surgical mask holds her fist in the air in front of a police lineCredit: London News Pictures

It came as hundreds of activists gathered in the capital holding placards reading “racism has no place” and “no justice, no peace”.

Mr Floyd died after a Minneapolis police officer was filmed kneeling on his neck in a now infamous video.

Protests have occurred in a number of US cities as activists clashed with police – with the demos now spreading to the UK.

In a statement, the Met Police said: “The arrests vary in offences from possession of an offensive weapon to assault on police, obstructing a public carriageway to breaches of Covid legislation.”

It added those arrested were between the ages of 17 and 25.

Pictures show protesters being led away by cops today, while videos show scuffles between police and demonstrators.

In one clip, a group of police can be seen shouting “get back” while shoving a number of protesters before a traffic cone is hurled.

However, the protests were largely peaceful as many wore face masks as they stood in solidarity with Black Lives Matter marches taking place across the world.

Placards waved by the demonstrators echoed the final words of Mr Floyd as he gasped “I can’t breathe”.

Anger is growing as demonstrations were also seen today in countries such as France, Germany and Denmark – as well as continuing in the US.

Mr Floyd’s death has renewed the focus on allegations of racism and police brutality in the US and across the globe.

34

A protester is led away by police outside the US EmbassyCredit: PA:Press Association

34

Cops detain a protester during the scenes in LondonCredit: AP:Associated Press

34

Four officers flank at protester wearing a surgical maskCredit: Reuters

34

Police and protests face-off during the George Floyd marchCredit: Represented by ZUMA Press, Inc.

34

A line of police and a line of protesters are seen in LondonCredit: Getty Images – Getty

34

Police and protesters clash during the scenes in LondonCredit: Represented by ZUMA Press, Inc.

34

A police officer raises his hands as he speaks with a protesterCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Meanwhile, footage showed protesters taking a knee for the 46-year-old in a move made famous by American football player Colin Kaepernick.

Kaepernick famously knelt for Terence Crutcher and Keith Lamont Scott following their 2016 deaths at the hands of US police officers.

Other raised their fists in the air as they yelled “no justice, no peace” as they took a stand for Mr Floyd.

The protest started in Trafalgar Square before making its way across Westminster to the US Embassy in London.

Aerial shots showed hundreds of activists marching to the building flanked by police cars along the side of the road.

Other protests also took place across the UK – including in Manchester and Cardiff.

34

Police speak to protesters during demonstrations in LondonCredit: London News Pictures

34

Two women hold a banner reading ‘no justice, no peace’Credit: London News Pictures

34

A woman speaks to a police officer during the marchCredit: Getty Images – Getty

34

A woman holds a sign up in front of police outside the US EmbassyCredit: London News Pictures

34

Protesters gather in Trafalgar Square today against the killing of George FloydCredit: PA:Press Association

Reverend Sally Hitchiner, associate vicar at St Martin-in-the-Fields church on Trafalgar Square, said she could see hundreds gathered for the protest from her workplace.

She said: “I’m very sympathetic to the issue but also surprised to see the strength of emotion that has gathered people together.

“It’s showing there are people in the UK who care passionately about the situation in the US.

“Clearly they’re not following lockdown and social distancing, but I think there’s a huge amount of passion there and that’s overriding their concerns.

“It’s an issue that requires passion but at the same time there’s a huge amount of risk in what they’re doing.”

She said police appeared to be moving the crowd on from the square by early afternoon.

Tens of thousands of people have joined nightly protests across the US since the death, with at least 1,600 people arrested in 22 cities as some demonstrations descended into violence.

34

Protests are demanding justice for George FloydCredit: London News Pictures

34

The protest is taking place alongside demonstrations in the USCredit: Reuters

34

A demonstrator holds up a sign in Trafaglar Square todayCredit: Reuters

34

Some activists were wearing face masksCredit: Reuters

Police officer Derek Chauvin has been sacked and charged with third-degree murder following Mr Floyd’s death.

Earlier on Sunday, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said video footage of Mr Floyd’s death was “very distressing”.

He declined to comment on US President Donald Trump’s response to the widespread protests.

Trump has been criticised after warning on Twitter that “looting leads to shooting”.

He later attempted to clarify his words by further tweeting on Friday: “Looting leads to shooting, and that’s why a man was shot and killed in Minneapolis on Wednesday night – or look at what just happened in Louisville with 7 people shot.

“I don’t want this to happen, and that’s what the expression put out last night means.”

Mr Raab told Sky’s Sophy Ridge on Sunday: “I’m not going to start commenting on the commentary or indeed the press statements that other world leaders make, or indeed the US president.

“What we do know is that the lead suspect has now been charged with murder, there is a federal review and we want to see de-escalation of all of those tensions and American come together.”

34

Mr Floyd was killed this week after a police officer knelt on his neckCredit: Reuters

34

The protest is now moving towards WestminsterCredit: Reuters

34

The protest in London makes it way to Downing StreetCredit: AFP or licensors

34

The march moves past the US embassy in VauxhallCredit: AFP or licensors

34

Protesters also gathered in Cardiff over the death of George FloydCredit: Getty Images – Getty

34

Hundreds of protesters also gathered in ManchesterCredit: Rex Features

Video of Mr Floyd’s death has been viewed millions of times and has shocked the world.

In the clip, Mr Floyd is seen pinned to the ground by Chauvin, who has a knee across his neck.

Chauvin was detaining the 46-year-old on suspicion of forgery.

Mr Floyd is repeatedly heard saying he cannot not breathe, shouting “please, please” and “mama, mama”.

He then goes silent and appears to go limp as Chauvin continues to press his knee onto his neck.

The dad-of-six – described as a “gentle giant” by his family – is then taken away by paramedics and was later pronounced dead.

Protests and outrage quickly took hold – which decided into widespread violence and destruction in Minneapolis, leading to the deployment of the National Guard and imposition of a curfew.

Four days later Chauvin was charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.

34

George Floyd was remembered by his loved ones as a ‘gentle giant’

34

Chauvin was charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter of George Floyd

Derek Chauvin has been condemned over the video

Mr Floyd’s family welcomed the arrest, but had hoped for a more serious charge.

They also wanted the other three officers involved – Thomas Lane, Tou Thao and J. Alexander Kueng – arrested as they failed to intervene.

Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman said more charges were possible – and the investigation into the other three continues.

All four officers were fired from the force.

SEX BAN

Sex in your home with a person from another household is ILLEGAL

Exclusive

LOTTO BAD LUCK

£101m EuroMillions winners tied up & robbed by gang at their luxury home

NO LAUGHING MATTER

Laughing teens mock death of George Floyd in US in sick Snapchat photo

‘WE’VE LOST EVERYTHING’

Mum’s agony as half of ‘dream home’ & family car fall off cliff

LUCKING UP

Chance of catching coronavirus is now one in 1,000 – but will never be 100% safe

WE’LL MEAT AGAIN

Pals can have BBQs, schools open & sport back – what you can do from today

Chauvin allegedly disregarded the concerns of another officer, who wanted to roll Mr Floyd onto his side, according to the criminal complaint.

The papers also said that an autopsy revealed nothing to support strangulation as the cause of death – instead blaming underlying health conditions.

Mr Floyd’s family are now seeking an independent autopsy, saying that the health problems cited in the official report are “an illusion”.

Chauvin is reportedly “effectively on suicide watch”, while video today showed New York cops driving their cruisers into a crowd of protesters as violence continues.

34

The group blocked the road outside the embassyCredit: AFP or licensors

34

The protest was mostly peaceful aside from the arrestsCredit: EPA

34

Demonstrators hold up placards as they make their way to the US Embassy in LondonCredit: AFP or licensors

Anger erupts at protesters over the death of George Floyd

Source link
The post 23 arrested at London Black Lives Matter protest after ‘cops assaulted’ first appeared on Bad Sporters.

Ex-NBA, Iowa State star Royce White leads peaceful protest in hometown of Minneapolis

admin — Sun, 31 May 2020 02:26:46 +0000

Travis Hines and Tyler Davis, Des Moines Register
Published 1:43 p.m. CT May 30, 2020 | Updated 2:04 p.m. CT May 30, 2020

CLOSE

‘You see a country that’s one fire and you lose sight of the fact that we tried a silent protest.’ NBA and Iowa State Star Royce White honors Colin Kaepernick as he leads protest in Minneapolis

Des Moines Register

MINNEAPOLIS — Royce White saw his city in turmoil, and he responded by doing what he so often has — he lent his voice to a cause.

The former NBA player and Iowa State star was one of the organizers of a peaceful protest here Friday after a night of anger, frustration and destruction as protests of the death of George Floyd devolved in some places to significant property damage and looting.

“I’m so happy to see all these people here,” White said after the protest on the downtown Hennepin Avenue Bridge, “and for us to be able to hold this bridge down and really give you that feeling of Selma back in the ‘60s.”

Buy Photo

Former Iowa State Basketball player Royce White speaks as peaceful protestors take over the Hennepin Ave. Bridge Friday, May 29, 2020. Protests continued around the city following the death of George Floyd, a black man who died in police custody. (Photo: Zach Boyden-Holmes/The Register)

Floyd, who was black, died Monday after being restrained by a white Minneapolis police officer driving his knee into the back of Floyd’s neck in an interaction that was videoed by bystanders.

That officer, Derek Chauvin, was arrested Friday and charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter. Three other officers at the scene of the arrest, who, like Chauvin, were fired by the Minneapolis Police Department, have not been charged with any crimes, but Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman said Friday he anticipated they will be prosecuted, though he declined to speculate on potential charges.

Floyd’s death has sparked demonstrations across the country to protest police violence against the black community.

Former Iowa State basketball star Royce White, who grew up in Minneapolis, with a rousing speech. Ends by saying protesters will be on Hennepin bridge “until CNN covers this protest.” He, other speaker say national media only wants to show looting & fires in #georgefloydprotestspic.twitter.com/EmpsikOBZU

— Tyler Davis (@TDavisDMR) May 29, 2020

“It was unspeakable,” White said of the footage of Floyd’s death. “It’s just a heinous thing to see. Somebody to kneel on somebody’s neck, somebody to squeeze the life out of somebody in that way and that we can all watch it on camera and there still be a debate.

“That’s the part that you really have to look at and say, ‘What has this country come to? What is going on here?’ We know what it’s come to. Like I’ve said to these people out here today, we don’t have a social injustice problem. We have a corporate injustice problem. This country has become a tyrannical corporation.

“We have to rein that in. We have to regain some sovereignty as communities, start to police ourselves and really start to reshape what being an American is going to look like every day.”

White is a native of Minneapolis and starred at the city’s powerhouse high school basketball program, DeLaSalle, before finishing his prep career at suburban Hopkins High School. He attended the University of Minnesota as a freshman, but transferred to Iowa State after off-the-court incidents.

He starred in his lone season for the Cyclones, averaging 13.4 points, 9.3 rebounds and 5 assists per game in 2011-12 to help lead Iowa State and second-year coach Fred Hoiberg to the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2005.

Buy Photo

Hundreds of Protestors take over the Hennepin Ave. bridge Friday, May 29, 2020. Protests continued around the city following the death of George Floyd, a black man who died in police custody. (Photo: Zach Boyden-Holmes/The Register)

He was a first-round draft pick of the Houston Rockets, but never played for the team as he and the franchise battled over medical care protocol. By that time, White had gone public with his diagnosed anxiety disorder and had become a vocal mental health advocate.

He ultimately played in just three NBA games for the Sacramento Kings in 2013-14, but has continued to be a visible activist.

The protest he helped organize Friday was inspired by NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick, White said. Kaepernick famously kneeled during the national anthem before games to protest police brutality. He has not played in the NFL since 2016, and filed a grievance against the league alleging it was colluding to keep him from playing because of his protests.

“The whole goal of it was for us to come and kneel here on the bridge and have a moment of silence, a moment of protest that was peaceful,” White said, “because this protest was peaceful and it got tarnished in a lot of ways. It got sidetracked. Now you see a country that’s on fire and you lose sight of the fact that we tried to silent protest. You lose sight of the fact that silent protest is the way we’ve chosen for a long time and to no avail. We wanted to honor that today.

“Had they just listened to (Kaepernick), had they just listened to some of these voices that speak that truth, some of these things could be avoided.”

This protest was started via text message by former NBA player Royce White with 200 people. It’s now morphed into thousands of people marching down I35. pic.twitter.com/iQCThMboX3

— robertklemko (@RobertKlemko) May 29, 2020

White also addressed the destruction and looting that has occurred in Minneapolis in relation to the protests.

“The looters are a response of a lack of justice,” White said. “Am I saying that’s the way to hone the political efforts and the political energy? No. Absolutely not. That wouldn’t be my vote, but at the end of the day, I don’t think they want the honed version, either.”

The White-led protest drew approximately 1,000 people who, after listening to remarks from religious and community leaders, marched through downtown and onto Interstate 35W.

“This is what we wanted to accomplish,” he said. “We wanted as many people as we could have out here. We had no clue this many people would show up.

“We had a hunch if we dressed in all black in honor of the prophecy, so to speak, of Colin Kaepernick, that we would be powerful and symbolic. That’s what we’re trying to do.”

Read or Share this story: https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/2020/05/30/royce-white-leads-peaceful-protest-minneapolis-response-george-floyds-death/5291165002/

Source link
The post Ex-NBA, Iowa State star Royce White leads peaceful protest in hometown of Minneapolis first appeared on Bad Sporters.

George Floyd rally: Nearly 200 arrests, 4 officers injured during Houston protest, HPD says

admin — Sat, 30 May 2020 17:53:56 +0000

Eight HPD patrol units were damaged during the protest.

HOUSTON — All is calm after a nearly 11-hour rally in downtown Houston where protesters took the streets to demand justice for George Floyd, a Houston native who died in Minneapolis as a result of an officer kneeling on his neck while he was being arrested for an alleged forgery.

Nearly 200 people were arrested during the rally. Many of the people arrested will be charged with obstructing a roadway, according to the Houston Police Department.

Four Houston police officers suffered minor injuries during the protest and eight police vehicles were damaged.

RELATED: ‘Don’t turn your back on racism’: Nike ad shines light on race relations in America

RELATED: George Floyd protests spread coast-to-coast as violence ramps up

Below is a timeline of events from the George Floyd protests in Houston:

MAY 30 9:41 A.M. — Jack Yates High School Alumni holds a vigil and walk in honor of George Floyd who graduated from the school in 1993.

*Live video above or you can watch via our Facebook page*

MAY 30 3:57 A.M. — Chief Art Acevedo tweets “done for the night” in response to the George Floyd rally.

MAY 30 3:15 A.M. — Houston police said nearly 200 people were arrested during the George Floyd rally. The department said many of the people arrested will be charged with obstructing a roadway.

MAY 30 12:20 A.M. — Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo and HPD officers are advising people downtown blocking a street or business to leave or be subject to arrest.

MAY 29 10:52 P.M. — Protesters remained downtown Friday night as law enforcement officers blocked off some entrances into downtown. KHOU 11’s Chris Costa said protests where he was at Texas and Fannin remained peaceful.

Demonstrations in downtown Houston

This is live video from downtown Houston. Reporter Chris Costa is following the demonstrations in downtown Houston that at times today have become violent.

This is a live feed. There may be profanities in the video.

Latest headlines: https://bit.ly/36H8HqW

Posted by KHOU 11 News on Friday, May 29, 2020

MAY 29 9:52 P.M. — All highway and street access into and out of downtown Houston is closed after protests turned violent. City officials are asking people to avoid traveling near the area throughout the night.

MAY 29 9:39 P.M. — Police are staged downtown where George Floyd protesters remain after Friday afternoon’s rally.

MAY 29 9:29 P.M. — There were reports of some damage to businesses downtown, including broken glass at Zuto’s, a restaurant.

Earlier, dozens of protesters blocked parts of I-45, Hwy 59 and some downtown streets during rush hour.

The rally itself was mostly peaceful with only a handful of arrests.

Acevedo said about a dozen people total had been taken into custody by Friday evening.

Hundreds marched from Discovery Green to Houston City Hall Friday afternoon in memory of Floyd, who died at the hands of Minneapolis police officers.

Several marchers carried signs and chanted “No justice, no peace,” and other rallying cries along the way.

At City Hall, they shouted “I can’t breathe” in reference to Floyd’s pleas for help as former officer Derek Chauvin kneeled on his neck.

Houston police dressed in riot gear kept watch during the rally but their were no major issues.

RELATED: Protesters block Houston freeways as rallies for George Floyd continue

RELATED: Derek Chauvin charged with 3rd degree murder, manslaughter in death of George Floyd

Photos: ‘Justice for George Floyd’ march and rally in downtown Houston

Turner later said he understands the anger and frustration and supports the right to protest, but asked Houstonians to keep it peaceful.

Floyd’s death hits close to home because he grew up in the Third Ward. A lot of Houstonians knew him and he still has family here.

BLM organizers say “people are angry” and what happened to Floyd has to fuel change.

“My message to everybody who’s coming is this a community event, a family event, it ain’t just to express our anger, but we have to get together to truly get something done,” said Ashton Woods, with Black Lives Matter Houston.

RELATED: ‘Stand strong, stand together’: Former NBA player Steven Jackson on a mission to get justice for George Floyd

Protests have become violent in Minneapolis, Los Angeles and other cities but Houston has a long history of peaceful protests.

RELATED: Biden: George Floyd’s death shows ‘open wound’ of US racism

RELATED: Former President Obama issues statement over George Floyd’s death

Great news if you watch TV with an antenna

KHOU has just upgraded its technology. If you were unable to receive KHOU with your antenna in the past, try again on channel 11.11. You may have to rescan your channels for it to work – if that’s the case, we’ve got some instructions at KHOU.com/antenna. If you already see KHOU on 11.1, you may now ALSO see it on 11.11 – it’s the exact same programming. We’re really excited to be able to bring our KHOU 11 News, CBS shows and sports, Wheel of Fortune, Ellen and Great Day Houston to more homes around the area. If you’re still having trouble, please contact us here and we’ll try to get you set up.

Source link
The post George Floyd rally: Nearly 200 arrests, 4 officers injured during Houston protest, HPD says first appeared on Bad Sporters.