The video, obtained by CNN, raises questions about a claim by the officer – Sherriff’s replacement Alan Strickland – that Ujiri was the aggressor in the exchange.
The body camera footage shows the incident from Strickland’s perspective. In it, Ujiri is seen trying to gain access to the court to celebrate with his team.
When Ujiri reaches into his jacket to show his access rights, Strickland steps away from him twice, grabs him by the package, and tells him to “hide the f ***.” Ujriri then shakes the officer back.
Another video shows the two men then being divorced before Ujiri had access to the court.
The footage was taken as part of a countersuit, filed by Ujiri in U.S. District Court in Oakland, California, on Tuesday.
Ujiri claims in the case that Strickland is taking over a fraud, claiming that the newly released body comb recording shows that Strickland is using excessive force.
The suit alleges that the officer had injuries to his head, jaw, chin and teeth from the confusion.
Ujiri described the suit to Canadian press in February as “evil in a way.”
On Tuesday, the Raptors released a fresh statement, commenting on the new video and reiterating their objection to the original suit.
“We are of the opinion that this remains for the courts, but we have always maintained that the claims made against Masai are baseless and completely without merit,” it states.
“We believe this evidence from the video shows just that – Masai was not an aggressor, but instead was the recipient of two very violent, unjust actions.
“The events of that evening threw a pall over what should have been a night of celebration, and the year after. While Masai has the full support of Raptors and MLSE, as he fights this injustice, we are aware that it is not. “All people have similar support and resources. This is a false legal action that MLSE, the NBA, and especially Masai should not oppose.”
CNN has reached out to Strickland’s legal team for comment and the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office. When the incident first occurred, the sheriff’s office defended Officer Strickland’s actions, claiming Ujiri to be the aggressor.
.
