Security tackles protester on court during Game 4 of Timberwolves vs. Grizzlies

Ananth Pandian

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Security tackles protester on court during Game 4 of Timberwolves vs. Grizzlies image

First there was glue girl. Then there was chain lady. And now, there's the tackle.

In the third quarter of Game 4 between the Memphis Grizzlies and Minnesota Timberwolves, a woman attempted to disrupt the game by running on to the court. Her effort was in vain as a Target Center security guard swiftly brought her down.

The take down spilled on to the court, halting the game during an offensive possession for the Timberwolves. And while she was being quickly removed, another person in the second row was also being taken away.

Play quickly resumed after the brief disturbance, which was caused by two members of the animal rights activists group Direct Action Everywher (DxE), the same organziation that was behind the other two protests that have happened at Timberwolves games this postseason.

In Minnesota's Play-in tournament win over the Los Angeles Clippers, a DxE protester glued herself to the floor. And in Game 1 of this series, a different protester chained themselves to the basket. 

DxE's intent with these protests is to raise awareness about the alleged animal cruelty at Rembrandt Enterprises, a massive factory egg farm in Iowa that's owned by Minnesota Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor.

(Taylor did sell his ownership stake to Alex Rodriguez and billionaire investor Marc Lore in 2021 but they are reportedly buying the team in installments.) 

The protesters in Game 3, Sasha Zemmel and Ashley Riddle, were seated behind Taylor and were attempting to get his direct attention. According to a press release from DxE, Zemmel was wearing a "makeshift referee jersey" and was going to eject Taylor from his courtside seat. 

Here's video from DxE of their attempt:

"The group is requesting that Taylor donate all HPAI-related subsidies he received to public health charities and animal sanctuaries as a “fine,” and commit to not taking any such funds in relation to the recent outbreak and mass killing," states DxE's press release.

"Saying the NBA is no place for abusive factory farmers, DxE is also asking that the sale of the team -- set to transfer majority ownership to baseball hall-of-famer Alex Rodriquez and businessman Marc Lore in 2023 -- be expedited, with Taylor immediately stepping down from day-to-day operations."

Rembrandt Enterprises, Taylor and the Timberwolves have yet to comment on the situation. 

Ananth Pandian

Ananth Pandian Photo

Ananth Pandian is a seasoned marketer and copywriter with over a decade of experience working for premium brands and publishers like Nike, SLAM, and CBS Sports. Prior to plying his trade as a wordsmith, he grew up in a farmhouse, surrounded by the woods, fields, and a creek. Ananth has spent much of his life outdoors, and is excited to guide you through his never-ending list of the best products to keep you from falling to the perils of nature. Nowadays, there is rarely a weekend that goes by where Ananth isn't out camping, hiking, or just back on his parents' farm.