Watch Tyre Nichols bodycam video that led to murder charges

Tire Nichols: NBA teams reunite after harrowing Memphis footage

The NBA world united as horrifying footage emerged Friday night of five police officers fatally beating Tire Nichols.

The 29-year-old died in hospital on January 10, three days after being beaten by officers. Video released by Memphis police showed the brutal January 7 attack.

Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra said, “This is just crazy” when harrowing footage was released ahead of his team’s game against the Orlando Magic.

The Memphis Police Department has released harrowing bodycam footage of five officers fatally beating Tire Nichols

The Memphis Police Department has released harrowing bodycam footage of five officers fatally beating Tire Nichols

Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra said, While Memphis Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins revealed he couldn't contain his emotions

Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra (L) and Memphis Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins spoke out

While Memphis Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins revealed he couldn’t contain his emotions after watching a TV interview of Nichols’ mother discussing the loss of her son.

“I cried,” Jenkins said.

The Grizzlies released a statement Friday night offering their support to Nichols’ family and friends following the “unnecessary loss of life.”

Nichols is pictured in hospital after the incident.  The 29-year-old from Memphis died of cardiac arrest and kidney failure on Jan. 10, three days after he was pulled over by police for reckless driving in unmarked cars

Nichols is pictured in hospital after the incident. The 29-year-old from Memphis died of cardiac arrest and kidney failure on Jan. 10, three days after he was pulled over by police for reckless driving in unmarked cars

'Mummy!  Mummy!'  screams Nichols as he is pinned to the ground, pepper sprayed in the face and kicked and punched by several officers after a chase

‘Mummy! Mummy!’ screams Nichols as he is pinned to the ground, pepper sprayed in the face and kicked and punched by several officers after a chase

Several teams released statements of support for the family, as did the National Basketball Players Association.

The officers, who are also black, all face charges of second-degree murder, as well as aggravated assault, aggravated kidnapping, official misconduct and official suppression.

And the Grizzlies played a Friday night game in Minneapolis — the city where George Floyd, a black man, was killed after a white police officer pressed his knee on Floyd’s neck, sparking global protests against police brutality and racism — Friday night with severe hearts.

“The senseless loss of life for Tire Nichols has hit us really hard,” Grizzlies broadcast partner Jenkins told Bally Sports in a pregame interview from Minnesota.

“It was tough being on the road and not being at home. I wish I could reach out to family through this camera right now. You’re going through a lot.’

There was a minute’s silence before the game in Minnesota. Several teams including Miami, Atlanta, Cleveland, Minnesota and Milwaukee released statements.

“We are outraged by the fatal beatings Tire Nichols received from five Memphis police officers,” the Bucks said in their statement.

“While charging the police officers for their heinous acts is an important step towards justice, this incident underscores the need for progress in improving police-community relations.”

Nichols was on his way home after taking sky pictures on Jan. 7 when police stopped him. He was only minutes away from the home he shared with his mother and stepfather.

Several teams released statements of support for the family, as did the NBA on Friday night

Several teams released statements of support for the family, as did the NBA on Friday night

Charged with second degree murder are (top left to right) Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Emmitt Martin III and (bottom left to right) Desmond Mills Jr. and Justin Smith

Charged with second degree murder are (top left to right) Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Emmitt Martin III and (bottom left to right) Desmond Mills Jr. and Justin Smith

The National Basketball Players Association also sent its condolences to the Nichols family

The National Basketball Players Association also sent its condolences to the Nichols family

Video of the murder was released Friday night. It wasn’t immediately clear if the Grizzlies watched the video before their game.

“Our hearts go out to the entire Memphis community as we process and process this terrible tragedy, and we stand by the lawful arrest of all officers involved,” the NBPA said.

“Such aggressive policing and excessive use of force illustrate the continuing need for accountability in the justice system.”

The union said it will “continue to monitor the investigations and trials in the quest for justice for Tire and his family.”

Nichols’ mother, RowVaughn Wells, warned supporters about the “terrifying” nature of the video but pleaded for peace.

Jenkins also said he hopes Memphis citizens will rally around one another.

“My words will only mean so much,” Jenkins said.

“I want to continue to encourage people to put their arms around each other, to put their arms around the Nichols family, the Wells family, to remember a beautiful life in Tire Nichols – who I didn’t know but I’m learning about. “

“We stand in solidarity with the family and friends of Tire Nichols,” the WNBPA said in a statement.

“We are outraged. The police killing of Tire Nichols marks the continuation of appalling police brutality against another black man. This appalling police misconduct puts us all at risk and undermines the ever-dwindling trust in the police in our communities.”