There were no professional sporting events in Minnesota Monday as the state reels from the latest police shooting.
The Minnesota Wild, Twins and Timberwolves all postponed their games the day after a member of the police shot and killed Duante Wright in Brooklyn Center, Minn. There were protests following the 20-year-old’s death, while governor Tim Walz announced a curfew from 7 p.m. Monday until 6 a.m. Tuesday in an area already facing unrest amid the trial of Derek Chauvin, who killed George Floyd last May.
The Twins were the first team to announce a postponement Monday, releasing a statement soon after Brooklyn Center police chief Tim Gannon said Sunday’s killing was an “accidental discharge” and the officer meant to tase Wright.
“Out of respect for the tragic events that occurred yesterday in Brooklyn Center, and following the additional details in this evolving situation, the Minnesota Twins have decided it is in the best interests of our fans, staff players and community to not play today’s game,” reads the Twins’ statement on postponing the series opener against Boston. “The decision was made by the Minnesota Twins after consultation with Major League Baseball, and local and state officials. Information regarding the rescheduling of today’s game, and corresponding ticket details, will be released in the near future. The Minnesota Twins organization extends its sympathies to the family of Duante Wright.”
The Red Sox were reportedly staying at a hotel outside the city due to the Chauvin trial. The Twins said there hasn’t been discussion about moving the series to another city.
“We came to the conclusion that the right thing to do was for us to not play today, rooted in respect for the Wright family but also rooted in our mind in the safety of all of those involved in today’s game,” Twins president Dave St. Peter said, according to The Associated Press.
New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Hicks, a former member of the Twins, also sat out Monday due to the shooting. ESPN reported that Hicks was scheduled to start against Toronto in Florida before having a conversation with Yankees manager Aaron Boone.
"With all that's going on in Minneapolis, he's having a tough time right now," Boone said of Hicks. "Had a conversation in my office and he just felt like it was best to not be in the starting lineup tonight. And I certainly support that and we'll and try to rally around him the best we can. Obviously, the situation is heartbreaking right now in Minneapolis. And I think it has hit Aaron particularly hard."
The Minnesota Wild released a similar statement when rescheduling Monday’s game against the St. Louis Blues to May 12.
“Out of respect for the heartbreaking incident that occurred last night in Brooklyn Center, tonight’s Minnesota Wild game has been postponed,” the NHL team’s statement reads. “The decision was made in the best interests of our fans, employees, players and community after discussions with local and state officials, and the National Hockey League. Tonight’s game has been rescheduled for May 12. The Minnesota Wild organization extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Duante Wright.”
The Minnesota Timberwolves postponed Monday night’s game against the Brooklyn Nets without immediately setting a new date.
“Yesterday’s tragic event, involving the life of Duante Wright, once again leaves our community mourning,” the Timberwolves said in a statement. “After consultation with the League, and local and state officials, we believe postponing tonight’s game versus the Brooklyn Nets is the best decision. The Minnesota Timberwolves extend our sincere sympathies to the family of Duante Wright.”
