Multiple Sports Events Postponed Following Police Shooting Of Daunte Wright

Sports events across the United States have been postponed following the recent shooting of Daunte Wright at the hands of local police.

20-year-old Wright was reportedly killed during a traffic stop in the Minneapolis suburb of Brooklyn Center, sparking mass riots across the country.

The tragic event comes less than 11 months after George Floyd was killed when Minneapolis police knelt on his neck for 9 minutes and 29 seconds during an arrest.

And now, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, both the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Minnesota Twins have responded by postponing their upcoming games out of respect for the tragic incident

The Twins, who were set to face the Boston Red Sox, were the first major sports franchise in Minneapolis to make a move after the news broke.

The MLB side released a statement, saying: "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."

And now it seems the Timberwolves have followed suit by canning their upcoming NBA clash against the Brooklyn Nets.

"Yesterday's tragic event, involving the life of Daunte Wright, once again leaves our community mourning," the team 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."

It's understood the officer in question has been placed on administrative leave while the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension conducts an investigation into the matter.

But in a press conference just hours after the shooting, Brooklyn Center Police Chief Tim Gannon gave an early indication of which direction the inquiry was going.

"As I watch the video and listen to the officer's command, it is my belief that the officer had the intention to deploy their taser, but instead shot Mr Wright with a single bullet," he told the media.

"This appears to me from what I viewed and the officer's reaction in distress immediately after that this was an accidental discharge that resulted in the tragic death of Mr Wright."

Topics: NBA, Australia

Max Sherry

Max Sherry is a journalist for SPORTbible Australia. After migrating Down Under from London as a teenager, he instantly fell in love with Aussie sport and its culture. From NRL to AFL, cricket to rugby — you name it, Max watches it (with a beer in hand, of course). During his time at Fox Sports, he worked in the football department covering the Premier League, A-League, Socceroos and Matildas. Born a stone's throw away from West Ham's training ground, Max is obviously a die-hard Liverpool fan.

@maxysherry