Might 14, 2025
Ok’aun Inexperienced will examine kinesiology whereas enjoying on a full soccer scholarship
Ok’aun Inexperienced, 23, who was shot by San Jose, CA, law enforcement officials in a case of mistaken identification three years in the past, has been awarded a full soccer scholarship to the College of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, KTVU stories.
“It simply boosts my spirits an entire lot,” Inexperienced advised the media outlet. “Simply believing in myself and simply preventing again from the brink of dying.”
Inexperienced mentioned he acquired a half-dozen scholarship affords.
Then a 20-year-old pupil at Contra Costa Faculty, Inexperienced was shot 4 occasions by San Jose police officer Mark McNamara in 2022. Inexperienced had disarmed a person at metropolis eatery, and police fired at Inexperienced as he exited.
The San Jose Police Division acknowledged it was improper in assuming that Inexperienced was concerned in a homicide that passed off the identical day and had nothing to do with an incident on the restaurant the place he was shot, La Victoria Taqueria.
There was no apology provided for the incident. Town has refused to settle a federal lawsuit filed by Inexperienced.
In 2023, McNamara resigned after the police chief found racist texts on the officer’s cellphone.
“It’s a really exasperating factor to undergo,” Inexperienced mentioned. “However it simply confirmed me that nothing is insurmountable.”
McNamara’s legal professional, Susan Coleman, and San Jose metropolis legal professional Nora Frimann mentioned McNamara and town should not liable for the capturing as a result of the officer had “certified immunity” when he shot Inexperienced within the abdomen, arm, and knee.
“Proper now I’m in remedy, in order that sort of helps,” Inexperienced mentioned. “And I’m understanding 3 times a day, attempting to get myself again collectively. It’s nonetheless exhausting. It’s nonetheless a tough course of. I nonetheless have nightmares and, you understand, it’s a endless battle.”
Apart from enjoying soccer, he plans to review kinesiology. “I’m excited,” he mentioned. “I’m excited to lastly put some issues behind me.”
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