The Milwaukee Police Department released footage of Sterling Brown‘s January arrest and tasing, and the player and the Milwaukee Bucks have responded with official statements.
On Wednesday night, the Milwaukee Police Department released body cam video footage of the January 26 incident that led to the arrest and tasing of Sterling Brown for a parking violation.
Reports from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel in recent days had indicated the police department’s intention to release the footage on Wednesday, and to coincide with that, Milwaukee police chief Alfonso Morales addressed the media.
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In an official statement, Morales said that officers had “acted inappropriately and those members were recently disciplined for their actions.”
Morales fielded no questions on the matter from the media.
Immediately after the release of the footage and the police department’s comment on the issue, official statements arrived from Brown, himself, and the Milwaukee Bucks as an organization.
Brown released his statement in full on Twitter.
— SB (@thatnegus_sb) May 23, 2018
In that statement, Brown referred to his treatment at the hands of law enforcement as indicative of a larger problem being experienced across the black community.
"“Situations like mine and worse happen every day in the black community. Being a voice and a face for people who won’t be heard and don’t have the same platform as I have is a responsibility I take seriously. I am speaking for Dontre Hamilton of Milwaukee, Laquan McDonald of Chicago, Stephon Clark of Sacramento, Eric Garner of New York, and the list goes on. These people aren’t able to speak anymore because of unjust actions by those who are supposed to “serve and protect” the people.The common denominator in all of these situations has been racism towards the minority community, the abuse of power, and the lack of accountability for officers involved. The lack of repercussions for the police officers involved in so many of these cases is offensive. This is a slap in the face to the victims’ families and communities.Black men shouldn’t have to have their guard up and instantly be on the defensive when seeing a police officer, but it’s our reality and a real problem. There must be mutual respect and both sides have to figure out how to accomplish this.”"
The Bucks’ own statement stood equally strong in condemning the actions of the officers, calling for greater institutional reform and showing support for their player.
"“The abuse and intimidation that Sterling experienced at the hands of Milwaukee Police was shameful and inexcusable. Sterling has our full support as he shares his story and takes action to provide accountability.Unfortunately, this isn’t an isolated case. It shouldn’t require an incident involving a professional athlete to draw attention to the fact that vulnerable people in our communities have experienced similar, and even worse, treatment.We are grateful for the service of many good police officers that courageously protect us, our fans and our city, but racial biases and abuses of power must not be ignored.”"
Brown’s rookie teammate D.J. Wilson also lent his support in regard to the incident via Twitter.
it’s sad and pathetic for racial discrimination to still exist, let alone within those who are here “to serve and protect” #StandWithSterling
— d.j. wilson (@Lanky_Smoove) May 23, 2018
According to a Journal Sentinel report, Brown’s lawyer has already confirmed the player wishes to file a civil rights law suit against the Milwaukee Police Department.
The video shows Brown originally being confronted by a single officer, before a host of additional officers arrive and the situation quickly escalates.
In their report for the Journal Sentinel, Ashley Luthern, Mary Spicuzza and Gina Barton, describe the incident as follows:
"“In the video, officers surround Brown and slam him onto the pavement and one of them uses a Taser on him.Brown initially gave his name and showed an identification card. The officer apparently did not recognize him as a player with the Bucks. The officer called for supervisors, who appeared to escalate the situation.For several minutes, Brown stood calmly outside a Walgreeens near West National Avenue and South 26th Street.That’s when the situation became more tense, with police using force on Brown and using profane and racist language. About half a dozen squad cars were on the scene by the end of the confrontation.”"
Brown, 23, is a native of Chicago and is scheduled to return for his second NBA season with the Milwaukee Bucks next year.