NBA Postpones Warriors Timberwolves After Alex Pretti Killing

Merlin sees the NBPA released a statement after federal agents fatally shot Alex Pretti in Minneapolis on Saturday, the second U.S. citizen killed by federal agents there this month following the Jan. 10 death of Renee Good. The NBA postponed the Warriors-Timberwolves game while the league said, "The decision was made to prioritize the safety and security of the Minneapolis community." That pause turned a local tragedy into a national sports moment. Merlin notes multiple Minnesota teams and leagues joined businesses in an open letter calling for "an immediate deescalation of tensions" and asking leaders to "work together to find real solutions." Sports organizations are acting as civic actors now, and the pressure on officials to respond and on leagues to protect fans and players will shape the next days.