The video, obtained by CNN, raises questions about a claim by the officer — Sheriff’s Deputy Alan Strickland — that Ujiri was the aggressor in the exchange.
The body camera footage shows the incident from Strickland’s perspective. In it, Ujiri is seen attempting to gain access to the court to celebrate with his team.
As Ujiri reaches into his jacket to show his all access credentials, Strickland twice shoves him away, grabbing him by the suit jacket and telling him to “back the f*** off.” Ujriri then shoves the officer back.
Other video shows the two men then being separated, before Ujiri was allowed access to the court.
The footage is included as part of a countersuit, filed by Ujiri in U.S. District Court in Oakland, California, on Tuesday.
Ujiri alleges in the suit that Strickland is perpetrating a fraud, claiming that the newly released body cam footage shows that Strickland used excessive force.
The suit alleges that the officer suffered injuries to his head, jaw, chin and teeth from the altercation.
Ujiri described the suit to Canadian press in February as “malicious in a way.”
On Tuesday, the Raptors released a fresh statement, commented on the new video and reiterating their objection to the original suit.
“We are mindful this remains before the courts, but we have always maintained that the claims made against Masai are baseless and entirely without merit,” it says.
“We believe this video evidence shows exactly that — Masai was not an aggressor, but instead was the recipient of two very violent, unwarranted actions.
“The events of that evening cast a pall over what should have been a night of celebration, and the year since. While Masai has the full backing of Raptors and MLSE as he fights this injustice, we are aware that not all people have similar support and resources. This is a spurious legal action that MLSE, the NBA, and especially Masai should not be facing.”
In a statement given to CNN on Thursday, Ujiri said “…I was reminded in that moment that despite all of my hard work and success, there are some people, including those who are supposed to protect us, who will always and only see me as something that is unworthy of respectful engagement. And, there’s only one indisputable reason why that is the case – because I am Black.”
CNN has reached out to Strickland’s legal team for comment and the Alameda County Sheriff Office. When the incident first occurred, the Sheriff’s office defended Officer Strickland’s actions, and claimed Ujiri was the aggressor.