Memphis Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins watched a televised interview Friday of Tyre Nichols’ mom talking in regards to the lack of her son and he misplaced management of his feelings.

“I cried,” Jenkins stated.

The outrage, frustration, unhappiness and anger was evident across the basketball world Friday, the day a video was launched exhibiting how Nichols, a 29-year-old father, was killed by 5 Memphis law enforcement officials. The NBA, WNBA and a number of other groups launched statements of assist for the household, as did the gamers’ unions.

The feelings have been palpable, as has been the case so many instances after so many different incidents of violence by police towards Black women and men lately.

“That is simply loopy,” stated Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra, who opened his pregame information convention Friday by talking about Nichols earlier than any questions have been requested.

The officers, who’re additionally Black, all face second-degree homicide fees in addition to fees of aggravated assault, aggravated kidnapping, official misconduct and official oppression.

The Grizzlies performed a recreation in Minneapolis — town the place George Floyd, a Black man, was killed in 2020 after a white police officer pressed his knee on Floyd’s neck in an act that sparked protests worldwide over police brutality and racism — on Friday evening with heavy hearts.

“The mindless lack of life for Tyre Nichols has actually hit us arduous,” Jenkins advised Bally Sports activities, the Grizzlies’ broadcast accomplice, in a pregame interview. “It has been robust being on the street, not being residence. I want I might lengthen my arms via this digicam proper now to the household. They are going via lots.”

There was a second of silence earlier than the sport in Minnesota. Afterward, Jenkins continued talking out about what it means to the Grizzlies to signify Memphis at such a attempting time.

“There’s method more durable issues happening within the metropolis versus what is going on on with our basketball proper now,” Jenkins stated after his workforce’s 111-100 loss. “I am pleased with our guys going on the market. We’re taking part in with heavy hearts, however we’re additionally taking part in for our metropolis that is going via lots proper now.”

Hours earlier than tipoff, Grizzlies ahead Jaren Jackson Jr. tweeted, “To the Nichols household, my teammates and I are and have been paying consideration. We’re with you. To Memphis, we’re hurting, too. Peaceable protest, supporting the household, pushing for accountability are what’s wanted on this second.”

To the Nichols household, my teammates and I are and have been paying consideration. We’re with you.

To Memphis, we’re hurting, too.

Peaceable protest, supporting the household, pushing for accountability are what’s wanted on this second. 🤎

— JJJ (@jarenjacksonjr) January 27, 2023

Grizzlies gamers weren’t made out there to media after the sport.

Nichols was on his method residence from taking footage of the sky Jan. 7 when police pulled him over. He was only a few minutes from the house he shared along with his mom and stepfather.

Video of the killing was launched Friday night. Jenkins stated he had not watched the video, which was launched shortly earlier than the sport, and to his information neither had his workforce.

A number of groups, together with Miami, Atlanta, Cleveland, Minnesota and Milwaukee, together with Memphis, launched statements.

#JusticeForTyre pic.twitter.com/gYY8AgCVbd

— Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) January 27, 2023

“We’re outraged by the lethal beating that Tyre Nichols obtained from 5 Memphis law enforcement officials,” the Bucks stated of their assertion. “Whereas the law enforcement officials being charged for his or her heinous actions is a crucial step for justice, this incident additional highlights the necessity for progress in enhancing police-community relations.”

The NBA put out a statement about two hours after the video of Nichols’ demise was launched, whereas protests have been happening in a number of cities.

“The photographs of Tyre Nichols’ life needlessly lower quick are horrifying,” the league stated. “Whereas there have been steps towards accountability on this occasion, the NBA household stays dedicated to partnering with advocates, policymakers and legislation enforcement to work towards options to the problems we proceed to face.”

The WNBA said it can “proceed to be a voice for individuals who face discrimination, racism and injustices, and can work to impact significant, systemic change in our communities.”

The NFLPA issued a statement Saturday that learn, “That is yet one more reminder that there’s a lot work to be completed within the battle towards injustice in our nation, and the work of our union and gamers to fight it should press on.”

In its personal assertion, the NFL said it can “stay deeply dedicated to combating the injustices and inequities that plague our society and can proceed to work with our social justice companions to assist our communities and battle for change.”

The video footage from Jan. 7 exhibits police repeatedly hanging Nichols with their fists, boots and batons for 3 minutes, screaming profanities at him all through the assault, earlier than leaving him on the pavement propped towards a squad automotive.

As Nichols is slumped towards the automotive, not one of the officers renders support. The physique digicam footage exhibits a first-person view of considered one of them reaching down and tying his shoe. It takes greater than 20 minutes after Nichols is overwhelmed and on the pavement earlier than any kind of medical consideration is offered, although two hearth division officers arrived on the scene with medical tools inside 10 minutes.

Nichols died three days later.

In its assertion, the NBPA stated “such aggressive policing and extreme pressure illustrate the continued want for accountability within the justice system.” The union stated it might “proceed to watch the investigation and authorized proceedings looking for justice for Tyre and his household.”

“We’re outraged,” the Ladies’s Nationwide Basketball Gamers Affiliation stated. “The police killing of Tyre Nichols marks the continuation of horrific police brutality towards yet one more Black man. This appalling police misconduct endangers us all and erodes the repeatedly waning belief of the police inside our communities.”

The WNBPA’s assertion concluded, “Sufficient is sufficient. We now have no alternative however to bear witness to the life and homicide of Tyre Nichols and an ethical obligation to demand higher for our society. These moments will and should shake our nation to its core. Could additionally they spur us to behave. No extra.”

Phoenix Suns guard and former NBPA president Chris Paul additionally referred to as for change in a tweet Friday evening.

“Change is required in any respect ranges and all of us have to do our half,” Paul wrote. “We will not lose our humanity as a society. To the Nichols’ household and Memphis neighborhood, my coronary heart is with you tonight.”

Nichols’ mom, RowVaughn Wells, warned supporters of the “horrific” nature of the video however pleaded for peace.

Protesters gathered for principally peaceable demonstrations in a number of cities, together with Memphis, the place a number of dozen demonstrators blocked the Interstate 55 bridge that carries visitors over the Mississippi River towards Arkansas. Semitrucks have been backed up for a distance. In Washington, dozens of protestors gathered in Lafayette Park, throughout the road from the White Home and close to Black Lives Matter Plaza.

Jenkins stated he hopes residents of Memphis rally round each other.

“My phrases will solely imply a lot,” Jenkins stated. “I wish to proceed to encourage individuals to place their arms round one another, put their arms across the Nichols household, the Wells household, to recollect a phenomenal life in Tyre Nichols — who I didn’t know, however I am studying about.”

The Related Press contributed to this report.