Following the release of body-cam footage by the Milwaukee Police Department showing the arrest of Milwaukee Bucks shooting guard Sterling Brown, in which he was tasered, the organization released a statement in defense of Brown.
In the statement, the team announced their full support for Brown and urged the police department to enact higher standards and show more direct accountability.
“The abuse and intimidation that Sterling experienced at the hands of Milwaukee Police was shameful and inexcusable. Sterling has our full support as he shares his story and takes action to provide accountability,” the organization said, via NBA.com” “Unfortunately, this isn’t an isolated case. It shouldn’t require an incident involving a professional athlete to draw attention to the fact that vulnerable people in our communities have experiences similar, and even worse, treatment.”
Brown, 22, was tasered and arrested by the Milwaukee Police Department on January 26. He is in the process of filing a lawsuit against the department.
According to CNN.com, Milwaukee Police Chief Alonso Morales apologized for the actions of the officers and announced the officers have been disciplined.
“The department conducted an investigation into the incident which revealed members acted inappropriately and those members were recently disciplined,” Morales said. “I am sorry this incident escalated to this level.”
The full video can be found above.