Oakland police officer Alan Strickland is suing Toronto Raptors president Masai Ujiri for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages totaling over $75,000 related to an altercation between the two following Game 6 of the 2019 NBA Finals, according to court documents.
Strickland filed the lawsuit Friday in California. He said Ujiri hit him "in the face and chest with both fists" and that he suffered injuries to his body and nervous system that "will result in some permanent disability."
The incident occurred after the Raptors secured their first-ever NBA title. Ujiri attempted to move from the crowd to the court to join the team in its celebration but Strickland stopped him to ask for his credentials. After a back-and-forth, the scuffle ensued.
Strickland is also suing Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, the Raptors, and the NBA, claiming those parties should have known about Ujiri's "violent predisposition and propensity for physical violence."
The Alameda County Sheriff's office placed the officer - whom it didn't refer to by name - involved in the altercation with Ujiri on medical leave, a police spokesperson told The Toronto Star's Dave Feshuk.
The Alameda County District Attorney's office determined in October that Ujiri wouldn't face criminal charges for his role in the incident.
