Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama Says He Is ‘Horrified’ by Minnesota Shootings
San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama spoke candidly Tuesday about a pair of fatal shootings in Minnesota, saying he was “horrified” by the deaths and acknowledging the personal risk he felt in addressing the issue publicly.
The shootings occurred during a recent federal immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis, where two civilians — Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, and Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother of three — were killed. The incidents sparked days of protests across the city, with demonstrators gathering in freezing temperatures amid growing tension between residents and law enforcement.
Speaking to reporters after practice at the Spurs’ Victory Capital Performance Center, Wembanyama admitted he had been hesitant to comment, noting both his status as a foreign national and advice from the team’s public relations staff.
“Yeah, PR has tried,” Wembanyama said, “but I’m not going to sit here and give some politically correct answer. Every day I wake up and see the news, and I’m horrified. I think it’s crazy that some people might make it seem like the murder of civilians is acceptable.”
Investigations ongoing, no charges filed
Authorities continue to investigate both shootings. As of Tuesday, no charges had been filed in either case, and details surrounding the encounters remain under review.
Wembanyama, 21, addressed the unrest two days after the National Basketball Players Association released a statement asserting that players can “no longer remain silent” on social issues. His remarks also came a day after New York Knicks forward Guerschon Yabusele, another French-born NBA player, shared his own reaction on social media.
“I can’t stop thinking about the tragic events unfolding in Minnesota,” Yabusele wrote on X. “Even though I’m French, I can’t remain silent. What’s happening is beyond comprehension. We’re talking about murders here. The situation must change.”
‘Each of us has to decide the price’
Wembanyama praised Yabusele for speaking openly, while also acknowledging the potential consequences that can come with such statements.
“I’m always proud of people speaking their minds,” Wembanyama said. “But it might have some price right now. Each and every one of us has to decide the price we’re willing to pay.”
The reigning NBA Rookie of the Year added that he frequently wrestles with how much to say publicly, balancing his personal convictions with the realities of his position.
“I read the news and sometimes I’m asking very deep questions about my own life,” he said. “But I’m conscious also that saying everything that’s on my mind would have a cost that’s too great for me right now. So I’d rather not get into too many details.”
Fear of repercussions
When asked directly whether he feared consequences for speaking out on such a sensitive issue, Wembanyama answered without hesitation.
“For sure,” he said. “It’s terrible. I know I’m a foreigner. I live in this country, and I have concerns. I think there’s enough details there for now.”
He added that while he was open to deeper conversations in private, he was not prepared to elaborate further in a public setting.
The comments offered a rare glimpse into Wembanyama’s perspective beyond basketball, highlighting the delicate balance many professional athletes face when engaging with politically charged issues — particularly those who, like Wembanyama, are navigating life and fame far from their home country.
