Kings support protesters marching in Sacramento

SACRAMENTO » The struggling Sacramento Kings find themselves in the national spotlight and it has nothing to do with another disappointing season in their sparkling new two-year-old arena.

Instead of looking ahead to the draft lottery as they wind down their 12th consecutive losing season, the Kings — like many nationwide — have turned their attention to demonstrators who have joined hand-in-hand on game nights to block entrances to the building.

The wave of protests stem from the March 18 fatal shooting by police of Stephon Clark, a 22-year-old unarmed black man.

The Kings have embraced their role in the situation and have been supportive of both the Clark family and the protesters.

“This organization has really stepped to the forefront and I wanted to use my voice as much as I could to try to say what I believed was right and true,” Kings player Garrett Temple said. “There are a lot of different perspectives and a lot of different things to take into account but it’s been a pretty hectic week.”

The demonstrations could grow in numbers this weekend. Sacramento police shot Clark eight times — seven from behind, according to autopsy results released Friday and the Kings play host to the Golden State Warriors on Saturday.

Owner Vivek Ranadive made an impassioned pledge of support for the protesters and the community at large following the first round of demonstrations on March 22 after first consulting with his players. The NBA team has partnered with Black Lives Matter Sacramento and the Build. Black. Coalition to create a multiyear partnership that supports the education of young people and to help workforce preparation and economic development efforts in the community.

“To see the Kings step up as an organization and start backing other local organizations, that means a great deal,” Temple said. “It shows you that what Vivek said after the game wasn’t just talk, that we really want to step in and help the community with this problem.”

Protesters have twice blocked entrances to Golden1 Center, forcing the arena into a lockdown mode. Only 2,400 fans made it inside for the March 22 game against the Atlanta Hawks.

Bulls’ Lopez fined

NEW YORK » Chicago Bulls center Robin Lopez has been fined $25,000 for yelling at officials and failing to leave the court quickly enough after he was ejected from a game against Miami.

Lopez picked up a pair of technicals with 8:43 remaining, and he gestured and pointed as he yelled at officials while walking off the floor.