Julius Randle Reflects on Tragedy in Minnesota

The entire United States is hurting right now. Hate and violence are dividing the country, and nobody is unaffected. Even NBA players, some of the wealthiest and most privileged athletes in the world, aren’t above having their lives or the lives of their loved ones affected by what is going on around the world. 

This is especially true for Minnesota athletes currently. After multiple fatal shootings by federal agents occurred in Minneapolis over the last few weeks, the Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle spoke about the most recent fatal shooting by a Border Patrol agent and how it affected him and his family.

“Regardless of politics, there’s a human aspect to it, for me I have kids, I have family, for me the job as a man is to be the protector of the house. You see things like that and obviously, it’s tough, it’s hard to stomach things like that… regardless of whatever’s going on, when somebody lose their life, you never want to see that. From the minute I’ve been here, Minneapolis has been great for me, fans and community have been really behind me. Everybody, neighbors, the community I live in, the school my son goes to, just everything, it’s been nothing but a joy since I been here, so (pauses) it’s tough.”

The Timberwolves postponed their game against the Warriors after the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti hit the news. Some things are just bigger than basketball. It was even apparent in the Timberwolves' next game that their hearts weren’t in it. 

Randle explained exactly why. When you see something like that happen so close to home, you can’t help but worry about yourself and your family's safety.