Raptors Rip 'Baseless' Lawsuit Against Masai Ujiri Made by Alan Strickland

The Toronto Raptors released a statement Tuesday in defense of president of basketball operations Masai Ujiri after sheriff's deputy Alan Strickland filed a lawsuit alleging Ujiri attacked him following Game 6 of the 2019 NBA Finals in June at Oracle Arena in Oakland, California.

TMZ Sports provided the Raptors' full statement:

"We are disappointed but not at all surprised Mr. Strickland has elected to take this path. His claims are baseless and entirely without merit. They should and will be viewed appropriately for what they are.

"The Toronto Raptors and Masai have jointly retained very able counsel who will be handling this matter on our behalf and consequently, we do not intend to make any further statement about it."

Strickland alleged Ujiri "shoved him and hit him in the face and chest" after the Raptors clinched the NBA championship with a victory over the Golden State Warriors in Game 6, per TMZ. He stated he suffered a jaw injury and a concussion.

The officer's lawsuit also names the Raptors and the NBA. He's seeking more than $75,000 in damages.

Ujiri was cleared of criminal charges by the Alameda County District Attorney's Office in October.

"The District Attorney's Office has determined that no criminal charges will be filed in the matter," a statement read. "However, Mr. Ujiri attended a meeting with the District Attorney's Office focused on matters that we believe merited constructive, structured mediation and conflict resolution and were better handled in a setting outside of the courtroom."

Ujiri also released a statement at the time.

"I am extremely pleased with the decision," he said. "While these past months have been difficult waiting for a determination on this matter, I understand the nature of the process and am appreciative of the efforts of all involved. I am happy that this is now behind me and I look forward to the task of bringing another championship to the City of Toronto."

Ujiri, 49, is an England native who grew up in Nigeria. He was named the 2012-13 NBA Executive of the Year with the Denver Nuggets and has been with the Raptors since May 2013.