Memphis Fire Department

NLE Choppa’s “Dream Court” In Memphis Damaged From Fire

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A basketball court that NLE Choppa donated to his community less than two weeks ago went up in flames this weekend, causing significant damage to what the rapper hoped would be a safe space for children. According to Action News 5, Memphis Fire Department arrived at the “Dream Court” at the Raleigh Community Center on Saturday morning. At around 7 a.m., they witnessed the court as fire damaged the state-of-the-art facility that the Cottonwood 2 rapper donated. The MFD believes that an accident involving fireworks caused damage to the court.

The rapper opened the court less than two weeks ago in partnership with Nancy Lieberman Charities. The court opened up at the Raleigh Community Center as Liberman’s latest philanthropic venture. “We get in positions to give back, to be an inspiration, to be motivation for the youth,” said NLE Choppa. He further explained that he wanted to create a place where kids can safely make friends and play basketball.  “We’ll do everything we can as a city to make this right,” said Nick Walker, Memphis Parks director.

Read More: NLE Choppa Literally Gives Lil Wayne His Flowers

NLE Choppa’s Mom Speaks

Some residents in the area didn’t even have the chance to use the court before it went up in flames. His mom and manager, Angelita Potts, told Fox 13 about the fire and the impact it has on the community. “All types of things run through your mind and it’s like, who in the world would destroy a basketball court that is built for kids,” Potts said. “It’s heartbreaking in general, but it doesn’t make you feel a little better or at ease to know that it wasn’t intentional.”

Despite the unfortunate incident, NLE Choppa already plans to repair the damages and re-open the court, especially as summer vacation approaches. Potts said that the rapper’s working alongside the city council to ensure that kids can play basketball safely. “We’re working with the city and city council to try and see what we can do,” said Potts. “But with him being himself, he’s just thanking God nobody was hurt. It could’ve been worse.” We’ll keep you posted on anymore updates surrounding NLE Choppa’s “Dream Court” in Memphis. 

Read More: NLE Choppa & Latto To Appear On Final Season Of “Grown-ish”

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Tyre Nichols: 6th Memphis Officer Suspended, 2 EMTs Fired

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A traffic stop has turned into national outrage after videos of Tyre Nichols being beaten by Memphis officers have been released. The 29-year-old father was pulled over earlier this month before he was savagely thrashed on the road. It took weeks for the Memphis Police Department to release the footage. The director of the FBI even issued a statement saying he was stunned by the visuals.

Five Black officers—Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Emmitt Martin III, Desmond Mills Jr., and Justin Smith—were fired from the department on January 20. It was quickly shared that they also faced several charges, including second-degree murder.

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, UNITED STATES – 2023/01/28: A protester march with a placard that says ‘Only Peaceful Because His Mom Said So” through Downtown Boston during the demonstration. Protesters in Boston held a rally following the release of the video which showed the police beating of Tyre Nichols. Nearly 100 rally goers met on the Boston Common to listen to speakers and activists from the community. Later, the rally moved to the street marching around Downtown Boston. (Photo by Vincent Ricci/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Read More: Ciara Checks Jason Whitlock For Blaming Tyre Nichols’s Death On “Single Black Mothers”

However, after the video of the incident with Nichols was released, many noticed there was also a white cop on the scene. Additionally, when EMTs arrived following the attack, Nichols went untreated for approximately 20 minutes. Three days later, he succumbed to his injuries.

Activist Shaun King called for others involved to be held accountable. This included Preston Hemphill, the Memphis officer who allegedly repeatedly tased Nichols. Following the uproar, the police department shared that Hemphill had been suspended.

Read More: Tyre Nichols Was Kicked In The Head, Beaten, Pepper Sprayed, & Tased By Police

Further, the Memphis Fire Department has done a bit of investigating of its own. In a statement, they detailed what they learned, and this included two EMTs who did not adequately treat Nichols at the scene. They were reportedly responding to a call about a person who was pepper sprayed but failed to conduct a proper patient assessment.

The EMTs have been named as Robert Long and JaMichael Sandridge. Lieutenant Michelle Whitaker was also said to have been fired, as well. None of the newly named officials have been arrested or charged at this time. It is unclear if they will face charges in the future.

“The five officers terminated were directly involved at the first and second scene where Mr. Nichols was physically abused and suffered serious injuries,” a press release stated. “Officer Preston Hemphill and other officers’ actions and inactions have been and continue to be the subject of this investigation since its inception on January 8, 2023.”

“Numerous charges still developing (are) impending.”

It has also been reported that a seventh officer has also been suspended. At this time, they have not been named.

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