Cops 'Pursuing' Case Against Raptors President, Team Says It's 'Cooperating'
Toronto Raptors President Cops Pursuing Criminal Case ... Team Says It's 'Cooperating'
10:48 AM PT -- The Raptors have released a statement to TMZ Sports saying, “The incident is being looked at, and we are cooperating with authorities. We look forward to resolving the situation."
8:44 AM PT -- A spokesperson for the Alameda County Sheriff's Dept. tells us they WILL be pursuing a misdemeanor criminal charge against Ujiri for the alleged incident.
Sgt. Ray Kelly tells us, "[Ujiri] shoved our deputy and tried to walk past him." That's when Sgt. Kelly says the deputy "pushed [Ujiri] away from the court."
Sgt. Kelly says Ujiri came back with a "second more significant push" with a part of his arm striking the deputy in the face.
Sgt. Kelly says the department believes Ujiri committed misdemeanor battery on a law enforcement officer.
He also says investigators are gathering more footage -- including surveillance video -- while building their case against Ujiri.
Toronto Raptors president Masai Ujiri allegedly shoved and struck a sheriff's deputy in the moments after his team won the NBA title Thursday night ... and part of the incident was caught on video.
Alameda County Sheriff’s Office is looking into an alleged misdemeanor battery -- after officials say Ujiri got furious when he was denied access to the court to celebrate after the Raptors defeated the Golden State Warriors in Game 6 of the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena in Oakland.
The end of the altercation was captured on video by NBC Bay Area.
Officials say the officer is claiming Ujiri didn't have the proper credentials on him at the time.
Officials say Ujiri pushed the deputy and struck him in the face.
Ujiri was NOT arrested on the spot -- and he was able to get on the court and give a speech (which was televised) after NBA Commish Adam Silver presented the team with the Larry O'Brien Trophy.
"We are working with the Oakland Police Department to file a report and contact witnesses and review video," Sgt. Ray Kelly with the Alameda County Sheriff's Office said.
Originally Published -- 5:52 AM PT