Twins, Wild, Wolves Postpone Monday Games 'Out Of Respect' For Daunte Wright's Death
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO/AP) -- The scheduled Monday matchup of the Minnesota Twins and the Boston Red Sox has been postponed following the officer-involved shooting death of Daunte Wright. A short time later, the Minnesota Wild said they too would be postponing their Monday match against the St. Louis Blues.
This comes as tensions are raised once again after a police-involved fatal shooting. On Sunday afternoon, 20-year-old Daunte Wright was shot and killed in a traffic stop in the Brooklyn Center area.
Unrest followed the shooting, with some looting and property damage reported.
"When you make these decisions, you do so in a very preventative way and out of an abundance of caution," Twins president Dave St. Peter said. "With the unknown of what could transpire across our community in the next several hours was, I think, in our mind, enough of a risk, so to speak, that we felt it was in the best interest to allow everybody to go home and let's assess kind of where we are tomorrow and we'll make a decision about tomorrow's game tomorrow."
With security precautions already increased in downtown Minneapolis due to the trial of Derek Chauvin, the white officer whose knee was pressed on the neck of Floyd, a handcuffed Black man who died, the Red Sox were staying at a hotel outside the city. Most visiting teams stay within a few blocks of the ballpark.
The Wild also extended their "deepest condolences" to Wright's family and friends.
The NBA announced that "in light of the tragic events in the Minneapolis area yesterday," the Timberwolves' game against the Brooklyn Nets at Target Center is postponed.
"Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Daunte Wright during this difficult time," the NBA's statement said.
"Yesterday's tragic event, involving the life of Daunte Wright, once again leaves our community mourning," the Wolves said in a statement. "Information regarding the rescheduling of tonight's game and ticket details will be released in the near future. The Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx extend our sincere sympathies to the family of Daunte Wright."
Meanwhile, the Minnesota United FC has decided to postpone the virtual 2021 season kickoff event that was originally scheduled for Monday night.
"Our hearts go out to Daunte Wright's family, friends and everyone who's hurting," the club tweeted.
The Vikings, currently in the offseason, also released a statement on Wright's death.
(© Copyright 2021 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
