Case 3:20-cv-00981-JCS Document 1 Filed 02/07/20 Page 1 of 15

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DAVID P. MASTAGNI (SBN 57721)
GRANT A. WINTER (SBN 266329)
BRETT D. BEYLER (SBN 319415)
MASTAGNI HOLSTEDT, A.P.C.
1912 I Street,
Sacramento, California 95811
Telephone: (916) 446-4692
Facsimile: (916) 447-4614
Email: bbeyler@mastagni.com
Attorneys for Plaintiffs
ALAN STRICKLAND and KELLY STRICKLAND

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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

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FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

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ALAN STRICKLAND, an individual; and
KELLY STRICKLAND, an individual,

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COMPLAINT FOR PERSONAL INJURIES
AND DAMAGES:

Plaintiffs,

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v.

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MASAI UJIRI, an individual; TORONTO
RAPTORS, a business entity; MAPLE LEAF
SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT, a business
entity; NATIONAL BASKETBALL
ASSOCIATION, INC.; and DOES 1 through
100, inclusive,

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Case No.:

Defendants.

(1) ASSAULT
(2) BATTERY
(3) INTENTIONAL INFLICTION OF
EMOTIONAL DISTRESS
(4) NEGLIGENCE
(5) NEGLIGENCE
(6) LOSS OF CONSORTIUM
DEMAND FOR JURY TRIAL

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Plaintiffs ALAN STRICKLAND and KELLY STRICKLAND complain and allege of

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Defendants

MASAI

UJIRI,

TORONTO

RAPTORS,

MAPLE

LEAF

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ENTERTAINMENT, NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION, INC., and DOES 1 through

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100, (hereinafter the foregoing defendants are referred to collectively as “Defendants”) inclusive, and

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each of them, as follows:

-1COMPLAINT FOR DAMAGES AND DEMAND FOR JURY TRIAL

SPORTS

&

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PARTIES

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1.

At all times herein mentioned, Plaintiff ALAN STRICKLAND was, and is now, an

individual adult natural person residing in the State of California.
2.

At all times herein mentioned, Plaintiff KELLY STRICKLAND was, and is now, an

individual adult and natural person residing in the State of California.
3.

Plaintiffs are informed and believe, and thereon allege, that Defendant MASAI UJIRI

was, and is now, an individual adult and natural person residing in Toronto, Canada.
4.

Plaintiffs are informed and believe, and thereon allege, that Defendant TORONTO

RAPTORS was, and is now, a business entity of a type not currently known, doing business in the
United States of America, including in the State of California. Plaintiffs are informed and believe that
the TORONTO RAPTORS is a citizen of Canada and has its principal place of business in Canada.
5.

Plaintiffs are informed and believe, and thereon allege, that Defendant MAPLE LEAF

SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT was, and is now, a business entity of a type not currently known,

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doing business in the United States of America, including in the State of California. Plaintiffs are
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informed and believe that the MAPLE LEAF SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT is a citizen of Canada
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and has its principal place of business in Canada.
6.

Plaintiffs are informed and believe, and thereon allege, that Defendant NATIONAL

BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION, INC. was, and is now, a business entity of a type not currently
known, doing business in the State of California. Plaintiffs are informed and believe and thereon
allege that the NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION, INC. has its principal place of business
in New York City, New York.
7.

The true names and capacities, whether individual, corporate, associate or otherwise,

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of the Defendants DOE 1 through 100, inclusive, are unknown to Plaintiffs, who therefore sues such

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Defendants by such fictitious names, and Plaintiff will amend this Complaint to show their true names

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and capacities when the same have been ascertained.

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8.

Plaintiff is informed and believes and thereon alleges that each of the Defendants

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designated as DOE are responsible under law in some manner and liable herein by reason of

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negligence, negligence per se, strict liability, and in other manner, and by such wrongful conduct that

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was a substantial factor in causing the events and happenings herein referred to and thereby caused

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the injuries and damages to Plaintiff as herein alleged.

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Plaintiff is informed and believes, and thereon alleges, that at all times relevant hereto,

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each Defendant, whether designated by name or as a DOE, was the agent, servant and employee of

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every other Defendant, who was a principal, master, and employer of each other Defendant, and every

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Defendant was acting within the course and scope of said agency, authority, and employment.

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Furthermore, each of the Defendants was a partner and was engaged in a joint venture with every
other Defendant, and each Defendant was acting within the course, scope, and in furtherance of said
partnership and joint venture; and each Defendant was a principal, master, or employer authorized,
ratified, directed, and approved the acts, omissions, and conduct of each other Defendant; and each
Defendant assumed the liabilities of every other Defendant with respect to the conditions, incident,
events, injuries, and damages referred to herein.

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10.

Whenever in this Complaint reference is made to any act or omission of Defendants,

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or any of them, such allegations shall be deemed to mean that the officers, directors, agents, trustees,
and employees of said Defendants did or authorized or ratified such acts or omissions while actively
engaged in the management, direction, control, and employ of the affairs of said Defendants, and
were acting within the course and scope of their employment, authority, and agency. Whenever in
this Complaint reference is made to any act or omission of Defendants, and each of them, such
allegation shall be deemed to mean the act or omission of each Defendant, acting individually, jointly,
in concert, and severally, and in furtherance of their joint activity.
JURISDICTION AND VENUE

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11.

This Court has jurisdiction over this matter pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1332 as the matter

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in controversy exceeds the value of $75,000.00 and is between citizens of different States and/or of

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a foreign state.

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12.

Venue is proper pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1391 given that the subject matter of this

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litigation occurred at Oracle Arena which is located in the City of Oakland, County of Alameda, State

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of California.

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FACTS COMMON TO ALL CAUSES OF ACTION
13.

Plaintiffs incorporate herein, as though fully set forth at length, each and every

allegation set forth in paragraphs above, inclusive of this Complaint.
14.

Plaintiffs ALAN STRICKLAND and KELLY STRICKLAND allege that

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DEFENDANTS, and each of them, were the legal (proximate), actual, and substantial cause of the

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damages to Plaintiffs. By the following acts or omissions, Defendants and each of them, intentionally,

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negligently, and/or by breaches of the duties identified herein, caused the damage to Plaintiffs.
15.

Plaintiffs ALAN STRICKLAND and KELLY STRICKLAND hereby make a claim

for personal injuries and damages arising from an incident involving Plaintiff ALAN STRICKLAND
and DEFENDANTS occurred on or about June 13, 2019, at or about the hour of 9:00 P.M., at or near
the basketball court perimeter at or near the southgate tunnel of the Oracle Arena (hereinafter “Subject
Incident”).

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Plaintiff ALAN STRICKLAND was assigned to the Oracle Arena for game number 6

of the NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION, INC. (hereinafter “NBA”) Finals between the
Golden State Warriors and the Toronto Raptors.
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NBA officials issued instructions to Plaintiff ALAN STRICKLAND, and all other law

enforcement and/or security personnel working security at this game. Specifically, these instructions
included, but were not limited to, stopping and preventing any and all individuals from accessing the
basketball court unless that individual was wearing a specific security “credential.”
18.

NBA officials instructed Plaintiff ALAN STRICKLAND, and all other law

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enforcement and/or security personnel working security at this game, to prevent any unauthorized

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person from accessing the court and cause a disturbance, cause harm to a player or coach or commit

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a crime.

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NBA officials informed Plaintiff ALAN STRICKLAND, and all other law

enforcement and/or security personnel working security at this game, that a recent security breach

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occurred wherein an unauthorized person presented fictitious credentials to access the court,

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bypassing multiple layers of security. NBA officials instructed Plaintiff ALAN STRICKLAND, and

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all other law enforcement and/or security personnel working security at this game, they did not want

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this security breach to occur again.

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NBA officials assigned Plaintiff ALAN STRICKLAND to his post at or near the

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basketball court perimeter on the date of the Subject Incident. At or around 9:00 P.M., Plaintiff ALAN

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STRICKLAND was at his assigned post when he saw an unidentified male wearing a dark suit and

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neck tie approaching his post. Plaintiff ALAN STRICKLAND later learned the identity of the male

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in the dark suit and neck tie was MASAI UJIRI.
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MASAI UJIRI had no visible credentials, as was required by NBA security

regulations. MASAI UJIRI attempted to circumvent the security checkpoint and evade Plaintiff
ALAN STRICKLAND and access the basketball court without showing security personnel, including
ALAN STRICKLAND, his credential. MASAI UJIRI repeatedly ignored Plaintiff ALAN
STRICKLAND’s orders to stop and return to the arena security official.

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22.

MASAI UJIRI then attacked Plaintiff ALAN STRICKLAND and hit him in the face

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and chest with both fists. The force of from MASAI UJIRI’s attack sent Plaintiff ALAN
STRICKLAND backwards several feet. And/or MASAI UJIRI negligently hit Plaintiff ALAN
STRICKLAND and hit him in the face and chest with both fists.
23.

At no point during this confrontation between MASAI UJIRI and Plaintiff ALAN

STRICKLAND did MASAI UJIRI stop trying to advance towards the court or present his credentials
for inspection as required by NBA security regulations.
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Plaintiff is informed and believes and thereon alleges that each and every Defendant

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are legally responsible in some manner for the events, happenings, omissions and/or occurrences

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causing damages referred to herein, and legally and proximately caused damage to Plaintiff.

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25.

At all times relevant herein, Defendants, each of which are vicariously liable for the

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harm Plaintiff suffered resulting from the conduct of each other Defendant, had actual knowledge

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and/or should have known of MASAI UJIRI’s violent predisposition and propensity for physical

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violence prior to his assault on Plaintiff ALAN STRICKLAND.
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As a result of the Subject Incident, Plaintiff ALAN STRICKLAND suffered, and will

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continue to suffer, physical, mental, emotional, and economic injuries, including, but not limited to,

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lost wages, lost opportunity for financial gain, future earning capacity, and past and future medical

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care and expenses.

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As a substantial result of the wrongful conduct and/or omissions of each and every

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Defendant named herein, and their employees and/or agents, and of each of them, Plaintiff ALAN

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STRICKLAND was hurt and injured in his health, strength, and activity, sustaining injury to his body

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and shock of injury to his nervous system and person, all of which said injuries have caused and
continue to cause Plaintiff ALAN STRICKLAND great mental, physical, and nervous pain and
suffering. Plaintiff is informed and believes, and thereon alleges, that said injuries will result in some
permanent disability to Plaintiff ALAN STRICKLAND, all to his general damage in an amount well
in excess of $75,000, and, as such, in accordance with California law, he is entitled to prejudgment
interest on that amount when determined.

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28.

As a further substantial result of the wrongful conduct and/or omissions of the

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defendants, and of each of them, Plaintiff ALAN STRICKLAND was required to, did, and will
employ physicians and surgeons to examine, treat and care for him and did incur medical and
incidental expenses. The exact amount of such expense is unknown to Plaintiff ALAN
STRICKLAND at this time, and Plaintiff ALAN STRICKLAND will ask leave to amend his pleading
to set forth the exact amount thereof when the same is ascertained by him, and any and all
prejudgment interest in accordance with California law.
29.

As a further substantial result of the said negligence and other wrongful conduct herein

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alleged of the defendants, and of each of them, Plaintiff ALAN STRICKLAND was prevented from

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attending to his usual occupation, and Plaintiff ALAN STRICKLAND is informed and believes, and

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thereon alleges, that he will thereby be prevented from attending to his usual occupation for a period

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of time in the future, all to Plaintiff ALAN STRICKLAND’s further damage in an amount unknown

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at this time, and Plaintiff ALAN STRICKLAND will ask leave to amend his complaint to show the

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exact amount when determined, and any and all prejudgment interest in accordance with California

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law.

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Prior to the game, Defendants advertised and publicly represented that they would

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provide security at the game and make the game safe for individuals present; however, Defendants

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failed to implement reasonable security in the form of security personnel, staff, plans, strategies,

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measures, systems, standards, procedures, schemes, personnel training, signs, warnings, physical

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barriers, equipment, tools, and arrangements. Defendants failed to provide adequate safety and

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security measures to protect members of the public including Plaintiff, failing to supervise MASAI

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UJIRI, failing to employ adequate security personnel, failing to employ adequate physical barriers
between the stage and the audience floor, failing to warn of danger, failing to post signs warning of
danger, including the danger of MASAI UJIRI, failing to adequately train security personnel, and
failing to adequately equip security personnel with tools to prevent injuries to individuals present at
the game, including Plaintiff.
31.

UJIRI’s propensity for violence. Defendants failed to use reasonable care to protect individuals
present at the game from MASAI UJIRI’s intentionally harmful conduct. Such conduct was
reasonably foreseeable based on MASAI UJIRI’s previous altercations involving similar
circumstances and necessitated adequate security, which Defendants failed to provide.
FIRST CAUSE OF ACTION

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(Assault – Plaintiff ALAN STRICKLAND Against All Defendants,

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including Does 1 through 100)

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At all times relevant herein, Defendants knew or should have known of MASAI

32.

Plaintiffs incorporate herein, as though fully set forth at length, each and every

allegation set forth in paragraphs above, inclusive of this Complaint.
33.

At the time of the Subject Incident, MASAI UJIRI acted, intending to cause harmful

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and/or offensive contact with Plaintiff ALAN STRICKLAND’s head and/or body with his hands

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and/or fists, which resulted in harmful contact with Plaintiff ALAN STRICKLAND.

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34.

Such harmful or offensive contact did, in fact, occur on June 13, 2019, without

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Plaintiff ALAN STRICKLAND’s consent.
35.

MASAI UJIRI caused Plaintiff ALAN STRICKLAND imminent apprehension of

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harmful or offensive contact with Plaintiff ALAN STRICKLAND’s head and/or body, which resulted

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in direct contact with Plaintiff ALAN STRICKLAND.

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Plaintiff ALAN STRICKLAND was harmed by MASAI UJIRI’s conduct.

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As a direct and proximate result of Defendants’ conduct, Plaintiff ALAN

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STRICKLAND suffered injury to his head, body, health, strength, nervous system, and person, all of

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which caused and continue to cause Plaintiff great mental, physical, emotional and psychological

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pain and suffering. As a result of the acts and omissions herein complained of, Plaintiff ALAN
STRICKLAND suffered great anxiety, embarrassment, anger, loss of enjoyment of life, injury to
reputation, and severe emotional and physical distress in an amount to be determined at trial. Plaintiff
is entitled to recover all damages resulting from Defendants’ acts, including compensatory damages,
general damages, personal injury damages, past and future medical expenses, attorney’s fees, costs,
and any other damages the Court deems appropriate.

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38.

Defendants committed the acts herein described despicably, maliciously, fraudulently,

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and oppressively with the wrongful intention of injuring Plaintiff ALAN STRICKLAND, for an
improper and evil motive amounting to malice, and in conscious disregard of Plaintiff’s rights.
Further, MASAI UJIRI knew that his conduct was illegal and acted with the specific intent to cause
injury and damage to Plaintiff ALAN STRICKLAND, and Plaintiff ALAN STRICKLAND is entitled
to recover exemplary and punitive damages from Defendants in an amount according to proof.
39.

Defendants are vicariously liable for the conduct of each other defendant carried out

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within the course and scope of their employment duties using the powers imparted to them as agents

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for each other defendant.

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SECOND CAUSE OF ACTION

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(Battery – Plaintiff ALAN STRICKLAND Against All Defendants,

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Including DOES 1 through 100)

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40.

Plaintiffs incorporate herein, as though fully set forth at length, each and every

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allegation set forth in paragraphs above, inclusive of this Complaint.
41.

At the time of the Subject Incident, MASAI UJIRI acted, intending to cause harmful

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and/or offensive contact with Plaintiff ALAN STRICKLAND’s head and/or body with his hands

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and/or fists, which resulted in harmful contact with Plaintiff ALAN STRICKLAND.

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42.

Such harmful or offensive contact did, in fact, occur on June 13, 2019, without

Plaintiff ALAN STRICKLAND’s consent.
43.

MASAI UJIRI caused Plaintiff ALAN STRICKLAND imminent apprehension of

harmful or offensive contact with Plaintiff ALAN STRICKLAND’s head and/or body, which resulted
in direct contact with Plaintiff ALAN STRICKLAND.
44.

Plaintiff ALAN STRICKLAND was harmed by MASAI UJIRI’s conduct.

45.

As a direct and proximate result of Defendants’ conduct, Plaintiff ALAN

STRICKLAND suffered injury to his head, body, health, strength, nervous system, and person, all of
which caused and continue to cause Plaintiff great mental, physical, emotional and psychological
pain and suffering. As a result of the acts and omissions herein complained of, Plaintiff ALAN

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STRICKLAND suffered great anxiety, embarrassment, anger, loss of enjoyment of life, injury to
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reputation, and severe emotional and physical distress in an amount to be determined at trial. Plaintiff
is entitled to recover all damages resulting from Defendants’ acts, including compensatory damages,
general damages, personal injury damages, past and future medical expenses, attorney’s fees, costs,
and any other damages the Court deems appropriate.
46.

Defendants committed the acts herein described despicably, maliciously, fraudulently,

and oppressively with the wrongful intention of injuring Plaintiff ALAN STRICKLAND, for an

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improper and evil motive amounting to malice, and in conscious disregard of Plaintiff’s rights.

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Further, MASAI UJIRI knew that his conduct was illegal and acted with the specific intent to cause

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injury and damage to Plaintiff ALAN STRICKLAND, and Plaintiff ALAN STRICKLAND is entitled

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to recover exemplary and punitive damages from Defendants in an amount according to proof.

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47.

Defendants are vicariously liable for the conduct of each other defendant carried out

within the course and scope of their employment duties using the powers imparted to them as agents

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for each other defendant.

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THIRD CAUSE OF ACTION

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(Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress – Plaintiff ALAN STRICKLAND Against All

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Defendants,

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Including Does 1 through 100)

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allegation set forth in paragraphs above, inclusive of this Complaint.

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49.

Defendants engaged in extreme and outrageous conduct as set forth herein.

50.

Defendants extreme and outrageous conduct included, but was not limited to, the act

of physically harming, assaulting and battering Plaintiff ALAN STRICKLAND in a forum open to
the public which was warranted to be a safe and secure event.

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Plaintiffs incorporate herein, as though fully set forth at length, each and every

51.

Defendants recklessly disregarded the probability of causing severe and emotional

distress to Plaintiff ALAN STRICKLAND which resulted from taking no steps to prevent MASAI
UJIRI from assaulting and battering Plaintiff or engaging in other harmful and offensive contact with

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Plaintiff ALAN STRICKLAND, and preventing Plaintiff ALAN STRICKLAND from defending
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himself from MASAI UJIRI, despite Defendants having knowledge of MASAI UJIRI’s propensity
for violent tendencies.
52.

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Defendants intentionally caused severe and emotional distress to Plaintiff ALAN

STRICKLAND by his extreme and outrageous conduct of assaulting, battering, and physically
harming the head and body of Plaintiff ALAN STRICKLAND.
53.

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Plaintiff ALAN STRICKLAND suffered severe emotional distress of such substantial

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quantity and enduring quality that an individual in a civilized society should not be expected to endure

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it.

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54.

Defendants conduct directly and proximately caused Plaintiff ALAN STRICKLAND

severe emotional distress.
55.

As a direct and proximate result of Defendants conduct, Plaintiff ALAN

STRICKLAND suffered injury to his body, health, strength, activity, and person, all of which have

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caused and continue to cause Plaintiff great mental, emotional, psychological, physical, and nervous

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pain and suffering. Plaintiff ALAN STRICKLAND suffered great anxiety, embarrassment, anger,

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loss of enjoyment of life, injury to reputation, and severe emotional and physical distress in an amount

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to be determined at trial. Plaintiff ALAN STRICKLAND is entitled to recover all damages resulting

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from Defendants acts, including compensatory damages, general damages, personal injury damages,

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past and future medical expenses, attorney’s fees, costs, and any other damages the Court deems

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appropriate.

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56.

Defendants committed the acts herein described despicably, maliciously, fraudulently,

and oppressively with the wrongful intention of injuring Plaintiff, for an improper and evil motive
amounting to malice, and in conscious disregard of Plaintiff ALAN STRICKLAND’s rights. Further,
Defendants knew that this conduct was illegal acted with the specific intent to cause injury and
damage to Plaintiff, and Plaintiff is entitled to recover exemplary and punitive damages from
Defendants in an amount according to proof.
57.

Defendants are vicariously liable for the conduct of each other Defendant which they

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carried out within the course and scope of their employment duties using the powers imparted to them
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as an agent of each other Defendant.
FOURTH CAUSE OF ACTION

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(Negligence – Plaintiff ALAN STRICKLAND Against MASAI UJIRI,

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Including Does 1 through 100)

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58.

Plaintiffs incorporate herein, as though fully set forth at length, each and every

allegation set forth in paragraphs above, inclusive of this Complaint.
59.

Defendant MASAI UJIRI negligently hit Plaintiff ALAN STRICKLAND in the face

and chest with both fists.
60.

Plaintiff ALAN STRICKLAND was harmed as a direct result of MASAI UJIRI’s

negligence.
61.

Defendant MASAI UJIRI’s negligence was a substantial factor in causing Plaintiff

ALAN STRICKLAND’s harm.

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Plaintiff ALAN STRICKLAND suffered severe emotional distress of such substantial

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quantity and enduring quality that an individual in a civilized society should not be expected to endure

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it.

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63.

Defendants conduct directly and proximately caused Plaintiff ALAN STRICKLAND

severe emotional distress.
64.

As a direct and proximate result of Defendants conduct, Plaintiff ALAN

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STRICKLAND suffered injury to his body, health, strength, activity, and person, all of which have

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caused and continue to cause Plaintiff great mental, emotional, psychological, physical, and nervous

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pain and suffering. Plaintiff ALAN STRICKLAND suffered great anxiety, embarrassment, anger,
loss of enjoyment of life, injury to reputation, and severe emotional and physical distress in an amount
to be determined at trial. Plaintiff ALAN STRICKLAND is entitled to recover all damages resulting
from Defendants acts, including compensatory damages, general damages, personal injury damages,
past and future medical expenses, attorney’s fees, costs, and any other damages the Court deems
appropriate.

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65.

Defendants committed the acts herein described despicably, maliciously, fraudulently,

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and oppressively with the wrongful intention of injuring Plaintiff, for an improper and evil motive
amounting to malice, and in conscious disregard of Plaintiff ALAN STRICKLAND’s rights. Further,
Defendants knew that this conduct was illegal acted with the specific intent to cause injury and
damage to Plaintiff, and Plaintiff is entitled to recover exemplary and punitive damages from
Defendants in an amount according to proof.
66.

Defendants are vicariously liable for the conduct of each other Defendant which they

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carried out within the course and scope of their employment duties using the powers imparted to them

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as an agent of each other Defendant.

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FIFTH CAUSE OF ACTION

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(Negligence – Plaintiff ALAN STRICKLAND Against MASAI UJIRI, TORONTO RAPTORS,

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MAPLE LEAF SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT, NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION,

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INC.,

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Including Does 1 through 100)

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67.

Plaintiffs incorporate herein, as though fully set forth at length, each and every

allegation set forth in paragraphs above, inclusive of this Complaint.
68.

Defendants, and each of them, owed a duty to Plaintiff and are responsible for the

harm caused by MASAI UJIRI because they negligently hired, supervised, and/or retained him.
69.

Defendants owed a duty to Plaintiff to reasonably supervise and/or monitor MASAI

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UJIRI, who they knew, or should have known, had a violent predisposition and propensity for

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physical violence. MASAI UJIRI had engaged in prior similar criminal and/or violent conduct

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towards third parties including, but not limited to, NBA fans, NBA officials, and/or NBA players,
on previous occasions. Defendants owed a duty to Plaintiff to take reasonable steps to prevent such
harm as was foreseeable.
70.

Defendants breached their duties of care to Plaintiff ALAN STRICKLAND through

their negligent conduct which included, but is not limited to, Defendants failure to implement
reasonable security in the form of security personnel, staff, plans, strategies, measures, systems,

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standards, procedures, schemes, personnel training, signs, warnings, physical barriers, equipment,
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tools, and arrangements. Defendants failure to provide adequate safety and security measures to
protect members of the public including Plaintiff, failing to supervise MASAI UJIRI, failing to
employ adequate security personnel, failing to employ adequate physical barriers between the stage
and the audience floor, failing to warn of danger, failing to post signs warning of danger concerning
MASAI UJIRI, failing to adequately train security personnel, failing to adequately equip security
personnel with tools to prevent injuries to the public including Plaintiff.
71.

Defendants knew that MASAI UJIRI was unfit to perform the work for which he

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was hired and/or they knew or should have known that he had become unfit for the work in which

25

he was hire to do, and that this unfitness created a particular risk of harm to others, including

26

Plaintiffs.

27

72.

Defendants negligence was a substantial factor in causing Plaintiff harm.

28

73.

Plaintiff suffered harm as a result of Defendants negligent actions or omissions.

- 13 COMPLAINT FOR DAMAGES AND DEMAND FOR JURY TRIAL

 Case 3:20-cv-00981-JCS Document 1 Filed 02/07/20 Page 14 of 15

1

74.

As a direct and proximate result of Defendants conduct, Plaintiff suffered injury to

2

his body, health, strength, activity, and person, all of which have caused and continue to cause

3

Plaintiff great mental, emotional, psychological, physical, and nervous pain and suffering. Plaintiff

4

further alleges that such injuries resulted in permanent disability. Plaintiff suffered great anxiety,

5

embarrassment, anger, loss of enjoyment of life, injury to reputation, and severe emotional and

6

physical distress in an amount to be determined at trial. Plaintiff is entitled to recover all damages

7

resulting from MASAI UJIRI’s acts, including compensatory damages, general damages, personal

8

injury damages, past and future medical expenses, attorney’s fees, costs, and any other damages the

9

Court deems appropriate.

10
11

SIXTH CAUSE OF ACTION
(Loss of Consortium – Plaintiff KELLY STRICKLAND Against All Defendants,

12

Including

13
14

Does 1 through 100.)
75.

Plaintiffs incorporate herein, as though fully set forth at length, each and every

15
allegation set forth in paragraphs above, inclusive of this Complaint.
16
17
18
19
20
21
22

76.

That at all times mentioned herein, Plaintiffs ALAN STRICKLAND and KELLY

STRICKLAND were, and now are, married.
77.

That as a substantial result of the harm caused by Defendants MASAI UJIRI,

TORONTO RAPTORS, MAPLE LEAF SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT, DOES 1 through 100,
inclusive, and each of them, Plaintiff KELLY STRICKLAND is informed and believes, and hereon
alleges, that the injuries to her spouse are of a permanent nature, and that she will be deprived of her

23

love, companionship, comfort, care, services, assistance, protection, affection, society, and moral

24

support, all to her further damage, and in excess of the minimum jurisdictional limits of this Court,

25

and that she is entitled to prejudgment interest on that amount in accordance with law.
PRAYER FOR RELIEF

26
27
28

78.

WHEREFORE, Plaintiff ALAN STRICKLAND and KELLY STRICKLAND prays

for relief against Defendants MASAI UJIRI, TORONTO RAPTORS, MAPLE LEAF SPORTS &

- 14 COMPLAINT FOR DAMAGES AND DEMAND FOR JURY TRIAL

 Case 3:20-cv-00981-JCS Document 1 Filed 02/07/20 Page 15 of 15

1

ENTERTAINMENT, NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION, INC., and DOES 1 through

2

100, inclusive, and each of them, as set forth below:

3
4

a. General damages in excess of the minimum jurisdictional amount of
$75,000;

5

b. Punitive damages in an appropriate amount according to proof;

6

c. All medical and incidental expenses according to proof;

7

d. All future medical and incidental expenses according to proof;

8

e. All loss of earnings according to proof;

9
10
11
12
13

f. All prejudgment interest on general and special damages in accordance with
law;
g. All property damage and expenses, according to proof;
h. All costs of suit; and,
i. Such other and further relief as this Court may deem just and proper.

14
DEMAND FOR JURY TRIAL
15
Plaintiffs ALAN STRICKLAND and KELLY STRICKLAND request a jury trial on all
16
17

issues raised in this complaint.

18
19

DATED: February 7, 2020

MASTAGNI HOLSTEDT, A.P.C.

20
21
22

By: /s/ BRETT D. BEYLER
BRETT D. BEYLER
Attorneys for Plaintiffs

23
24
25
26
27
28

- 15 COMPLAINT FOR DAMAGES AND DEMAND FOR JURY TRIAL

 Case 3:20-cv-00981-JCS Document 1-1 Filed 02/07/20 Page 1 of 2

JS-CAND 44 (Rev. 07/19)

CIVIL COVER SHEET

The JS-CAND 44 civil cover sheet and the information contained herein neither replace nor supplement the filing and service of pleadings or other papers as required by law,
except as provided by local rules of court. This form, approved in its original form by the Judicial Conference of the United States in September 1974, is required for the Clerk of
Court to initiate the civil docket sheet. (SEE INSTRUCTIONS ON NEXT PAGE OF THIS FORM.)

I. (a) PLAINTIFFS

DEFENDANTS

Masai Ujiri, an individual; Toronto Raptors, a business entity; Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, a
business entity; National Basketball Association, Inc.; and DOES 1 through 100, inclusive

Alan Strickland, an individual; and Kelly Strickland, an individual

(b) County of Residence of First Listed Plaintiff

County of Residence of First Listed Defendant
(IN U.S. PLAINTIFF CASES ONLY)

(EXCEPT IN U.S. PLAINTIFF CASES)

NOTE:

(c) Attorneys (Firm Name, Address, and Telephone Number)
Grant A. Winter, SBN 266329 / Brett D. Beyler, SBN 319415
Mastagni Holstedt, A.P.C.
1912 I Street, Sacramento, CA 95811
II.

Attorneys (If Known)
T: (916) 446-4692

BASIS OF JURISDICTION (Place an “X” in One Box Only)
1

U.S. Government Plaintiff

3

2

U.S. Government Defendant

4

IV.

NATURE OF SUIT

CONTRACT
110 Insurance
120 Marine
130 Miller Act
140 Negotiable Instrument
150 Recovery of
Overpayment Of
Veteran’s Benefits
151 Medicare Act
152 Recovery of Defaulted
Student Loans (Excludes
Veterans)
153 Recovery of
Overpayment
of Veteran’s Benefits
160 Stockholders’ Suits
190 Other Contract
195 Contract Product Liability
196 Franchise
REAL PROPERTY
210 Land Condemnation
220 Foreclosure
230 Rent Lease & Ejectment
240 Torts to Land
245 Tort Product Liability
290 All Other Real Property

V.
1

VI.

IN LAND CONDEMNATION CASES, USE THE LOCATION OF
THE TRACT OF LAND INVOLVED.

III. CITIZENSHIP OF PRINCIPAL PARTIES (Place an “X” in One Box for Plaintiff
(For Diversity Cases Only)

Federal Question
(U.S. Government Not a Party)

PTF
1

Citizen of This State

Diversity
(Indicate Citizenship of Parties in Item III)

DEF
1

Citizen of Another State

2

2

Citizen or Subject of a
Foreign Country

3

3

and One Box for Defendant)
PTF
Incorporated or Principal Place
4
of Business In This State
Incorporated and Principal Place
5
of Business In Another State
Foreign Nation
6

DEF
4
5
6

(Place an “X” in One Box Only)
TORTS

PERSONAL INJURY
310 Airplane
315 Airplane Product Liability
320 Assault, Libel & Slander
330 Federal Employers’
Liability
340 Marine
345 Marine Product Liability
350 Motor Vehicle
355 Motor Vehicle Product
Liability
360 Other Personal Injury
362 Personal Injury -Medical
Malpractice

PERSONAL INJURY
365 Personal Injury – Product
Liability
367 Health Care/
Pharmaceutical Personal
Injury Product Liability
368 Asbestos Personal Injury
Product Liability
PERSONAL PROPERTY
370 Other Fraud
371 Truth in Lending
380 Other Personal Property
Damage
385 Property Damage Product
Liability
PRISONER PETITIONS

CIVIL RIGHTS
440 Other Civil Rights
441 Voting
442 Employment
443 Housing/
Accommodations
445 Amer. w/Disabilities–
Employment
446 Amer. w/Disabilities–Other
448 Education

HABEAS CORPUS
463 Alien Detainee
510 Motions to Vacate
Sentence
530 General
535 Death Penalty

FORFEITURE/PENALTY
625 Drug Related Seizure of
Property 21 USC § 881
690 Other
LABOR

BANKRUPTCY
422 Appeal 28 USC § 158
423 Withdrawal 28 USC
§ 157
PROPERTY RIGHTS

710 Fair Labor Standards Act
720 Labor/Management
Relations
740 Railway Labor Act
751 Family and Medical
Leave Act
790 Other Labor Litigation
791 Employee Retirement
Income Security Act
IMMIGRATION
462 Naturalization
Application
465 Other Immigration
Actions

820 Copyrights
830 Patent
835 Patent─Abbreviated New
Drug Application
840 Trademark
SOCIAL SECURITY
861 HIA (1395ff)
862 Black Lung (923)
863 DIWC/DIWW (405(g))
864 SSID Title XVI
865 RSI (405(g))
FEDERAL TAX SUITS
870 Taxes (U.S. Plaintiff or
Defendant)
871 IRS–Third Party 26 USC
§ 7609

OTHER
540 Mandamus & Other
550 Civil Rights
555 Prison Condition
560 Civil Detainee–
Conditions of
Confinement

OTHER STATUTES
375 False Claims Act
376 Qui Tam (31 USC
§ 3729(a))
400 State Reapportionment
410 Antitrust
430 Banks and Banking
450 Commerce
460 Deportation
470 Racketeer Influenced &
Corrupt Organizations
480 Consumer Credit
485 Telephone Consumer
Protection Act
490 Cable/Sat TV
850 Securities/Commodities/
Exchange
890 Other Statutory Actions
891 Agricultural Acts
893 Environmental Matters
895 Freedom of Information
Act
896 Arbitration
899 Administrative Procedure
Act/Review or Appeal of
Agency Decision
950 Constitutionality of State
Statutes

ORIGIN (Place an “X” in One Box Only)
2

Original
Proceeding

CAUSE OF
ACTION

3

Removed from
State Court

Remanded from
Appellate Court

4

Reinstated or
Reopened

5 Transferred from
Another District (specify)

6

Multidistrict
Litigation–Transfer

8 Multidistrict
Litigation–Direct File

Cite the U.S. Civil Statute under which you are filing (Do not cite jurisdictional statutes unless diversity):
28 U.S.C. Section1332

Brief description of cause:

Plaintiff was injured by Defendants while providing security detail at NBA Game

VII.

REQUESTED IN
COMPLAINT:

CHECK IF THIS IS A CLASS ACTION
UNDER RULE 23, Fed. R. Civ. P.

VIII. RELATED CASE(S),
IF ANY (See instructions):
IX.

DEMAND $

JUDGE

DIVISIONAL ASSIGNMENT (Civil Local Rule 3-2)
SAN FRANCISCO/OAKLAND

(Place an “X” in One Box Only)

DATE 02/07/2020
Print

CHECK YES only if demanded in complaint:
JURY DEMAND:
Yes
No
DOCKET NUMBER

SAN JOSE

SIGNATURE OF ATTORNEY OF RECORD
Save As...

EUREKA-MCKINLEYVILLE

/s/ BRETT D. BEYLER

Reset

 JS-CAND 44 (rev. 07/19)

Case 3:20-cv-00981-JCS Document 1-1 Filed 02/07/20 Page 2 of 2

INSTRUCTIONS FOR ATTORNEYS COMPLETING CIVIL COVER SHEET FORM JS-CAND 44
Authority For Civil Cover Sheet. The JS-CAND 44 civil cover sheet and the information contained herein neither replaces nor supplements the filings and
service of pleading or other papers as required by law, except as provided by local rules of court. This form, approved in its original form by the Judicial
Conference of the United States in September 1974, is required for the Clerk of Court to initiate the civil docket sheet. Consequently, a civil cover sheet is
submitted to the Clerk of Court for each civil complaint filed. The attorney filing a case should complete the form as follows:
I. a) Plaintiffs-Defendants. Enter names (last, first, middle initial) of plaintiff and defendant. If the plaintiff or defendant is a government agency, use
only the full name or standard abbreviations. If the plaintiff or defendant is an official within a government agency, identify first the agency and
then the official, giving both name and title.
b) County of Residence. For each civil case filed, except U.S. plaintiff cases, enter the name of the county where the first listed plaintiff resides at the
time of filing. In U.S. plaintiff cases, enter the name of the county in which the first listed defendant resides at the time of filing. (NOTE: In land
condemnation cases, the county of residence of the “defendant” is the location of the tract of land involved.)
c) Attorneys. Enter the firm name, address, telephone number, and attorney of record. If there are several attorneys, list them on an attachment, noting
in this section “(see attachment).”
II.

Jurisdiction. The basis of jurisdiction is set forth under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 8(a), which requires that jurisdictions be shown in
pleadings. Place an “X” in one of the boxes. If there is more than one basis of jurisdiction, precedence is given in the order shown below.
(1) United States plaintiff. Jurisdiction based on 28 USC §§ 1345 and 1348. Suits by agencies and officers of the United States are included here.
(2) United States defendant. When the plaintiff is suing the United States, its officers or agencies, place an “X” in this box.
(3) Federal question. This refers to suits under 28 USC § 1331, where jurisdiction arises under the Constitution of the United States, an amendment
to the Constitution, an act of Congress or a treaty of the United States. In cases where the U.S. is a party, the U.S. plaintiff or defendant code
takes precedence, and box 1 or 2 should be marked.
(4) Diversity of citizenship. This refers to suits under 28 USC § 1332, where parties are citizens of different states. When Box 4 is checked, the
citizenship of the different parties must be checked. (See Section III below; NOTE: federal question actions take precedence over diversity
cases.)

III.

Residence (citizenship) of Principal Parties. This section of the JS-CAND 44 is to be completed if diversity of citizenship was indicated above.
Mark this section for each principal party.

IV.

Nature of Suit. Place an “X” in the appropriate box. If the nature of suit cannot be determined, be sure the cause of action, in Section VI below, is
sufficient to enable the deputy clerk or the statistical clerk(s) in the Administrative Office to determine the nature of suit. If the cause fits more than
one nature of suit, select the most definitive.

V.

Origin. Place an “X” in one of the six boxes.
(1) Original Proceedings. Cases originating in the United States district courts.
(2) Removed from State Court. Proceedings initiated in state courts may be removed to the district courts under Title 28 USC § 1441. When the
petition for removal is granted, check this box.
(3) Remanded from Appellate Court. Check this box for cases remanded to the district court for further action. Use the date of remand as the filing
date.
(4) Reinstated or Reopened. Check this box for cases reinstated or reopened in the district court. Use the reopening date as the filing date.
(5) Transferred from Another District. For cases transferred under Title 28 USC § 1404(a). Do not use this for within district transfers or
multidistrict litigation transfers.
(6) Multidistrict Litigation Transfer. Check this box when a multidistrict case is transferred into the district under authority of Title 28 USC
§ 1407. When this box is checked, do not check (5) above.
(8) Multidistrict Litigation Direct File. Check this box when a multidistrict litigation case is filed in the same district as the Master MDL docket.
Please note that there is no Origin Code 7. Origin Code 7 was used for historical records and is no longer relevant due to changes in statute.

VI.

Cause of Action. Report the civil statute directly related to the cause of action and give a brief description of the cause. Do not cite jurisdictional
statutes unless diversity. Example: U.S. Civil Statute: 47 USC § 553. Brief Description: Unauthorized reception of cable service.

VII. Requested in Complaint. Class Action. Place an “X” in this box if you are filing a class action under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 23.
Demand. In this space enter the actual dollar amount being demanded or indicate other demand, such as a preliminary injunction.
Jury Demand. Check the appropriate box to indicate whether or not a jury is being demanded.
VIII. Related Cases. This section of the JS-CAND 44 is used to identify related pending cases, if any. If there are related pending cases, insert the docket
numbers and the corresponding judge names for such cases.
IX.

Divisional Assignment. If the Nature of Suit is under Property Rights or Prisoner Petitions or the matter is a Securities Class Action, leave this
section blank. For all other cases, identify the divisional venue according to Civil Local Rule 3-2: “the county in which a substantial part of the
events or omissions which give rise to the claim occurred or in which a substantial part of the property that is the subject of the action is situated.”

Date and Attorney Signature. Date and sign the civil cover sheet.