Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx continue to work in the community

The events surrounding George Floyd’s tragic death have had a profound impact on the Minnesota Timberwolves, and that impact goes far beyond basketball.

Along with the rest of the world, the basketball team that calls the city of Minneapolis home was profoundly impacted by a tragic and preventable event. The Minnesota Timberwolves have been more than just bystanders in the wake of the horrific and unjust events that took place on May 25.

An officer with the Minneapolis Police Department held his knee on George Floyd’s neck for 8 minutes and 46 seconds, including 2 minutes and 53 seconds with Floyd unconscious.

The tragedy put a massive spotlight on the many injustices that have taken place throughout our nation’s history. It also spurred many to act, including the Minnesota Timberwolves organization.

Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx add partnerships in the community

Wolves head coach Ryan Saunders, along with the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Lynx, is partnering with the Minneapolis Foundation through the Fund for Safe Communities to seek justice, equity, and healing during the aftermath of George Floyd’s death.

Saunders has been known for being a players’ coach, and it has shown beyond the hardwood. He has been an active listener throughout these times and is using his role as an NBA head coach to bridge communities and support those in need.

As noted in the above-linked article, Saunders was asked what stepping into this role will mean to his players. His response? “I will never feel the way a lot of them have had to feel on a daily basis, but I can be an ally, a better ally.”

Ryan Saunders has been the head coach the Timberwolves need during these challenging times. Someone to listen, someone to speak out and acknowledge the injustice and inequality going on not only in our city but in our country.

The local impact of the Minnesota Timberwolves

From the top on down, the Minnesota Timberwolves are doing what they can to help the city of Minneapolis pursue justice, equity, and healing in the wake of George Floyd’s death. The Mission of the Minneapolis Foundation is to “dig deep into understanding the complexity of the inequities and to help us drive toward solutions that ensure senseless tragedies rooted in racism never happen again.”

During these times of anger, frustration, and pain, the Minnesota Timberwolves stepped up. From Saunders doing Zoom calls with players to allow them to express their emotions to showing up to help spread donations and partnering with the Minneapolis Foundation, small steps in making our city and our country a better place for all of us are vital.

However, real change will require a collective response. To donate to the Minneapolis Foundation, you can text SAFEMPLS to 243725. Say his name. Rest in peace George Floyd.