Masai Ujiri Is 'Completely Vindicated' After California Assault Lawsuit Comes To An End

The assault lawsuit filed against Masai Ujiri after the Raptors won the NBA championship in 2019 is no more. 

In a statement provided to Narcity, a spokesperson for Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Partnership (MLSE) — the owner of the Toronto Raptors — said all claims have been dismissed.

Editor's Choice: Is This $5.3 Million Mansion For Sale In Toronto Secretly Kyle Lowry’s House?

Masai has been completely vindicated, as we always knew he would be. MLSE

The lawsuit was filed by Alan Strickland, a sheriff's deputy for Alameda County in California, after he reportedly tried to stop Ujiri from getting onto the court to celebrate with the team.

In their statement, the MLSE spokesperson said they're glad the legal process has come to an end.

"We are disappointed that he and his family have had to endure the past 18 months of worry and uncertainty," the spokesperson said.

"[And we are] especially pleased that the claims made against Masai and MLSE were dismissed entirely, free of any financial settlement," they continued.

News of the lawsuit broke in February 2020, eight months after the incident took place during Game 6 of the NBA Finals.

Video footage of the event later seemingly showed Strickland shoving Ujiri twice before he was shoved once.

According to Courthouse News Service, Strickland's lawsuit claimed he "suffered from severe injuries to his nervous system that will result in permanent disability."

In their statement, MLSE's spokesperson said the company was "deeply troubled" that Ujiri was put in a position where he had to defend himself against a lawsuit.

"Masai is taking some time to process the ordeal, and intends to address it publicly at a later date," they said.