Reports: Raptors' Masai Ujiri will not face criminal charges for NBA Finals altercation with deputy

Stan Temming
Updated

There were plenty of reasons for Masai Ujiri — the president of basketball operations for the Toronto Raptors — to celebrate on Tuesday night.

First of all, his team unveiled its championship banner and received its rings for capturing the first NBA title in franchise history. Additionally, shortly after the Raptors tipped off against the New Orleans Pelicans at Scotiabank Arena, it was reported that the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office will not be filing criminal charges against Ujiri for an altercation with a sheriff’s deputy following Game 6 of the 2019 NBA Finals at Oracle Arena, per Kristofer Noceda of NBC.

Teresa Drenick with the DA's Office provided the following statement Tuesday, according to Noceda:

“The District Attorney’s Office has determined that no criminal charges will be filed in the matter. However, Mr. Ujiri attended a meeting with the District Attorney’s Office focused on matters that we believe merited constructive, structured mediation and conflict resolution and were better handled in a setting outside of the courtroom.”

The Alameda County District Attorney’s Office revealed shortly after the 2019-20 NBA season began that Masai Ujiri is off the hook. (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
The Alameda County District Attorney’s Office revealed shortly after the 2019-20 NBA season began that Masai Ujiri is off the hook. (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)

There will be no further action taken by the DA’s Office, per Noceda.

Moments after the Raptors won Game 6 against the Golden State Warriors on Jun. 13, Ujiri reportedly pushed back and struck an officer “in the face” while trying to get onto the floor to celebrate with his team. The report says the deputy denied the Raptors executive access because he reportedly didn’t have proper credentials.

According to the Associated Press, the deputy sustained a concussion and was placed on medical leave as a result of the incident.

The Alameda County Sheriff’s Office was pursuing a misdemeanor charge against Ujiri for simple battery of a police officer and had submitted the case to the DA’s Office in July.

“I am extremely pleased with the decision,” Ujiri said in a statement issued through the team, according to the Associated Press. “While these past months have been difficult waiting for a determination on this matter, I understand the nature of the process and am appreciative of the efforts of all involved. I am happy that this is now behind me and I look forward to the task of bringing another Championship to the City of Toronto.”

More Raptors coverage on Yahoo Sports