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Bob Jones volleyball star, UAB signee named Huntsville Times Female Athlete of the Year

Jenny Jarrett remembers some of Kennedy Vaughn’s earliest experiences with volleyball.

Even then, she saw something in the young player.

“My daughter, Meg, actually played with her when she was like 11 on the club team, and so we got to see her when she was really young, and her first experience with volleyball,” the Bob Jones coach said. “She really put in a lot of hours and developed over the years with her extra work.”

Plenty of hard work led to a senior season full of All-American honors, all-state recognition and a Gatorade state volleyball Player of the Year award as a senior, along with one more honor before she hits the court at the college level.

Vaughn has been named the 2024-25 Huntsville Times Female Athlete of the Year, which honors the top athlete in the Huntsville area regardless of sport.

“Kennedy really stepped up this year,” Jarrett said of Vaughn. “She’s been a great player for us throughout our career, but she really developed into a leader; not just a good player providing the volleyball skills, but she led our team and in other ways, and so that was really neat to see.

“When I first started coaching at Bob Jones, she was kind of this shy, quiet kid that didn’t say much and played pretty good. It was just really neat to watch her develop into a mature and vocal leader on the court. That’s really neat.”

A UAB signee, Vaughn helped guide Bob Jones (52-10) to another appearance in the Class 7A state championship as a senior with the Patriots.

She finished her season with 714 kills, 354 digs, 65 aces and 56 blocks for the Patriots, also claiming American Volleyball Coaches Association second team All-American honors to go along with Gatorade state volleyball Player of the Year.

At the state level, she claimed AL.com Huntsville region Player of the Year honors and was a Class 7A first-team all-state honoree after surpassing 2,000 career kills her senior season.

“Obviously, she’s blessed physically, she has the athleticism that some other players don’t have, but then she also has a lot of drive and has worked really hard for a long time,” Jarrett said. “She was really quiet and a little afraid of going after that big kill or that big block, initially she kind of waited to see.

“As she got older and got more experience, then she really put the team on her back and carried a lot of times we had a great team. We’ve had a lot of success, so it definitely took more than just her, but she definitely stood out as a leader.”

Her and fellow 2025 signee Riley Lovell will join the UAB volleyball team with fellow Bob Jones alum Meg Jarrett, who played in 19 matches last season as a freshman with the Blazers.

Jarrett said the signing of Vaughn will be “great” for UAB, which also has Ohatchee alum Jorda Crook on its roster.

“We’re going to have three kids there, and so it’s fun to see them get to the next level in their career,” Jarrett said. “Kennedy’s still got more that she could grow into, so it’s going to be really cool to see how much they develop her and how successful she’ll be on that kind of stage.”

General

Dear Abby: My fiancé hates that I spend money on him

DEAR ABBY: I am a giver by nature. This is how I show my love. I like to cook, knit, sew and buy gifts for the people who matter most to me. I have recently noticed that when I buy gifts for my fiance, he looks them up to see how much I paid for them. He isn’t doing this to say I spent too little, but rather to say I spend “way too much” on him.

I consider what he’s been doing to be rude, and I told him so. I also told him it is none of his business how much I spent on him. Am I wrong? — GIVING OF MYSELF IN ILLINOIS

DEAR GIVING: I think you overreacted by becoming defensive. Rather than scold your fiance because he chided you for spending the amount you have on his gifts, it could have been handled more delicately.

All you needed to say was, “To me you are priceless. I get great pleasure when I find something I think you can use and will enjoy. Please stop looking a gift horse in the mouth.”

P.S. Make sure you are both on the same page regarding finances BEFORE you are married.

Read more Dear Abby and other advice columns.

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

General

Asking Eric: Joint family birthday party puts burden on one side only

Dear Eric: My son will soon be turning 13, as will my niece. They were born a week apart. I usually host a family pool party for my son’s birthday, but my brother and his wife do not arrange a family party for their daughter. (They also have a nice yard with a pool.).

Instead, they have a party for her and her friends without inviting family. When they show up for my son’s party, family members arrive with gifts for their daughter’s birthday, and I feel like my son has to share his birthday every year with his cousin.

My brother and his wife do not contribute financially nor with prep, serving, cooking or clean-up, so essentially, I am giving their daughter a party as well.

A few years ago, I suggested we combine parties together which they agreed to, but since I had “more people than them,” my mother forbade me from asking them to contribute. I told this to my sister-in-law when she attempted to give me money, and rather than insist she happily put her money back in her wallet. They make more money than me. I’m a divorced mom on one income. I certainly know this is not my niece’s fault, but how do I communicate to them that I don’t want to share my son’s birthday?

– Feeling Frustrated And Used

Dear Frustrated: Her intentions may have been good, but your mother’s edict was not helpful. I’m not quite sure why she feels the need to insert herself in this at all. You’re an adult, as is your sister-in-law; it’s none of her business how the costs get split up.

And it makes sense that you share the burden, if this has become a de facto joint party over the years. After more than a decade of doing this, it wouldn’t be surprising to find that your family members all think of this as your son and niece’s party. It is more than OK for you to revisit the conversation with your brother and sister-in-law, acknowledge the reality of what’s going on, and work together on a solution.

And if your mom has thoughts or questions, tell her not to worry about it.

Another thing you might want to consider, is the possibility that this party might be on the verge of changing. Talk to your son about how he wants to celebrate. Maybe he’s really eager for a friends-centric party, too. That might be quite healthy for him, and a lot of fun. If you do change it, though, I’d give a heads up to the family so they can adjust their expectations, and no one accuses you of undercutting your niece.

Read more Asking Eric and other advice columns.

Send questions to R. Eric Thomas at [email protected] or P.O. Box 22474, Philadelphia, PA 19110. Follow him on Instagram and sign up for his weekly newsletter at rericthomas.com.

General

Iconic rocker has emergency surgery following show: ‘Thought it was food poisoning’

Steven Van Zandt revealed on Monday he had emergency surgery for appendicitis while on tour with Bruce Springsteen.

“Got a sharp pain in my stomach, thought it was food poisoning, turned out to be appendicitis,” Van Zandt, 74, posted to social media. “Got lucky with an exceptional hospital in San Sebastian.

“Operation was a complete success and I’m hoping to get back on stage for at least one of the shows in Milan. Thank you all for all the good vibes. See you soon.”

Van Zandt, who was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the group in 2014, is on Land of Hope and Dreams Tour with Springsteen and the E Street Band.

The tour is set to conclude on July 3 at San Siro Stadium in Milan.

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.

General

Water works, Hurricane vocabulary: Down in Alabama

On the podcast we’ll be going over a handful of hurricane vocabulary. That might especially be helpful for newcomers to the state, so feel free to share the podcast episode with your friends.

Whose water?

So long, Birmingham Water Works. If you’re a customer, you’ll now be paying Central Alabama Water.

The name change was passed by the Board 5-2, with both board members from Birmingham voting against and all members from outside the city voting for the change, reports AL.com’s Joseph D. Bryant.

And it didn’t sit well with Birmingham officials.

Said Councilwoman Carol Clarke: “I’m curious what the cost is going to be, because you’ve got to rebrand every vehicle, every uniform, repaint every water tower, and for what? Birmingham is a city and a region so it makes no sense.”

A new state law regionalized the water-works board and took majority control away from the city of Birmingham. That’s led to 5-2 splits on several issues.

And not always a happy 5-2 split, either, as the Board navigated through some tense moments. Board Chairman Tommy Hudson began Tuesday’s meeting by saying the Board will follow bylaws that limit member comments to two per issue, mandating that all questions be directed toward him, and prohibiting disparaging remarks.

Don’t feed the bear

People in and near Coastal Alabama are accustomed to bear sightings. Some are being seen in North Alabama as well, with a few recently turning up in Huntsville.

AL.com’s Scott Turner reports that now at least one bear is being spotted in Athens.

I recommend that citizens take Athens Police Chief Anthony Pressnell’s wisdom to heart: “We ask that you please do not agitate the bear, try to feed it, or try to take a selfie with it. If you see the bear, you can call us. We are staying in contact with Wildlife. Our hope is the bear will return to a more remote area.”

Do not agitate the bear, folks.

Here’s an interesting note that Scott reported: The Coastal Alabama bears and North Alabama bears are actually different subspecies. In Lower Alabama we have the Florida black bear, while the Athens visitor is an American black bear whose bear relatives have migrated over from Georgia.

Tuberville on street protests

U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville is among Republicans on Capitol Hill who want to make it a federal crime to intentionally block or delay traffic on a public road, reports AL.com’s Heather Gann.

Sen. Thom Tillis, a North Carolina Republican, wrote the Safe and Open Streets Act.

A release from Tuberville indicates that it is a response to the anti-ICE riots in Los Angeles: “The First Amendment gives us the right to freedom of assembly, but it doesn’t give the right to block our streets and put American lives at risk.”

Cut out the lights

Here’s a story that’s local but can apply to anyone who’d like to save a buck on a utility bill.

Huntsville Utilities is asking folks to try to use less power during peak hours while this heat wave in on us, reports AL.com’s John R. Roby.

That means cut back on using dishwashers, washers, dryers, ovens and stoves from noon until 8 p.m. And — something I’ve heard myself say more than a few times — cut off lights when you’re not using them.

The TVA has put into effect its “Emergency Load Curtailment Program.” That’s standard procedure when demand is expected to rise. The TVA managed to get through its highest all-time peak demand in January without grid problems.

By the numbers

$591 million

That’s the size of Birmingham’s budget, as passed by the City Council on Tuesday.

More Alabama News

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General

Senior Bowl flying new colors with title sponsor Panini

The Senior Bowl’s new title sponsor, Panini, will expand the “visibility” of Mobile’s annual all-star football game, according to the game’s executive director.

But another kind of visibility comes with the change from Reese’s to Panini as the title sponsor, starting with a new logo and continuing to the first Panini Senior Bowl on Jan. 31, where “there will be no orange” in the uniforms, Panini’s Jason Howarth said.

The Reese’s Senior Bowl had featured orange and brown as the primary uniform colors throughout the candy company’s 12 years as the game’s title sponsor, reflecting the packaging of its flagship peanut-butter cups.

“I can tell you it’s going to be red, white and blue again,” the Senior Bowl’s Drew Fabianich said about the 2026 game uniforms. “And there could be stars involved in it, too.”

Fabianich, the Senior Bowl’s executive director, and Howarth, the senior vice president of marketing and athlete relations at Panini America, were at an announcement party on Tuesday at Crown Hall in Mobile that celebrated the new title sponsorship, which had been revealed on Tuesday morning.

Panini will serve as the Senior Bowl’s title sponsor for the next five years – or, as Howarth put it, “a minimum of five years.”

Panini, the world’s largest licensed sports- and entertainment-collectibles company, had served as the Senior Bowl’s trading-card provider, player-lounge sponsor and practice sponsor before stepping up to title sponsor.

“I keep saying this has been years in the making,” Howarth said. “This is not something that happened overnight. We started out as a partner with the Senior Bowl in 2020 and managed to get through that tough one in 2021 and COVID and worked through that and worked really closely with the Senior Bowl staff. And that collaboration just seemed so natural with them that we started to continue to progress.

“We felt like at some point there’d be a day when this would be called the Panini Senior Bowl, and I’m so excited that today’s the day we get to celebrate that. We believe in this game more than any other game out there. We have direct relationships with these athletes that are going to play in this game.”

Panini’s products include NIL college football trading cards.

The Senior Bowl and its new title sponsor also had checks for two additions under the Senior Bowl Charities umbrella — the Child Advocacy Center of Mobile and the Africatown Community Development Corporation.

“We’re excited to be a part of the Mobile community,” Howarth said. “I feel like we’ve been a part of the Mobile community for the last five years. Now we’re just taking it to the next level. …

“One of the things we talked about with the Senior Bowl staff and Drew is: How do we dive into this community and not just make this feel like a thing we’re a part of for one week a year? And so we’re excited that we’re adding some new charitable partners.”

The Panini Senior Bowl will be played at 1:30 p.m. CST Jan. 31 at Hancock Whitney Stadium. The Panini Senior Bowl will be the 76th annual all-star game in Mobile after the first Senior Bowl was played in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1950.

Representatives of the Child Advocacy Center accept a donation from the Panini Senior Bowl on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at Crown Hall in Mobile. Drew Fabianich (left), the Senior Bowl’s executive director, and Jason Howarth (third from right), the senior vice president of marketing and athlete relations at Panini America, help present the check. (Mark Inabinett / AL.com)(Mark Inabinett / AL.com)

FOR MORE OF AL.COM’S COVERAGE OF THE NFL, GO TO OUR NFL PAGE

A Las Vegas Raiders helmet and Panini Senior Bowl stickers decorate a table on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at Crown Hall in Mobile. (Mark Inabinett / AL.com)(Mark Inabinett / AL.com)

Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on X at @AMarkG1.

General

Wimbledon livestream: Where to watch qualifying round matches, TV, schedule

Wimbledon has finally arrived, as the qualifying rounds are underway. Notably, the qualifiers will continue until next week. Coverage of each qualifying match will be available on ESPN+. The matches will start at 5 a.m. CT this morning. Fans can watch Wimbledon online by purchasing a monthly ESPN+ subscription for $11.99.

One of the best matches to watch this morning will feature No. 1 Marton Fucsovics and Zachary Svajda. This tennis match is scheduled to begin at 6:10 a.m. CT, but it will depend on the length of earlier matches.

Fucsovics looked dominant in his first qualifying match, as he defeated Jurij Rodionov in two sets. He never lost more than four games in either set, so it was a relatively easy victory for the top seed.

Svajda will be the underdog in today’s match, but he has the skill to pull off the upset. He defeated Lukas Neumayer in two sets during his first Wimbledon match, so he will look to perform similarly this morning.

Notably, Svajda did not concede more than three games in a single set against Neumayer.

Fans can watch each Wimbledon qualifying match online by purchasing a monthly ESPN+ subscription for $11.99.

General

Today’s daily horoscopes: June 25, 2025

The new moon in Cancer is the ideal mother. She wants us to succeed even though she knows that success might mean we’ll fly far. She wants to give us everything but doesn’t because it’s the limits that form our character. In this moment of the moon’s blessing, what would you nurture in yourself if you were her? “We are born of love; love is our mother.” — Rumi

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You’ll be effective as long as your intensity and emotion are in check. Avoid coming in hot. Check in with others about how your presence is being received. A simple “How are you feeling about that?” goes a long way.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Friends may hold back their truth because they don’t want to risk hurting you or causing tension in the relationship. That restraint can be a sign of respect, loyalty or emotional intelligence — and it’s also why you need opinions from outsiders.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Working harder than necessary is the very definition of inefficiency, and you can’t stand inefficiency. That’s why you tinker with your plan and strive to create excellent systems, ones that reduce friction and maximize momentum.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Nothing motivates you quite as much as the prospect of getting attention from someone you admire. Your drive is deeply connected to connection. This doesn’t mean you’re needy — it means admiration is a kind of fuel. You’re lit up by the exchange of energy today.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). The hard tasks appeal to you. You have an inkling about what you can do, and there’s nothing quite like the thrill that comes over you when you realize you’re actually doing the thing that seemed so impossible but a few short incarnations ago.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Today has rhythm and symmetry. How you begin sets the tone. Start with full focus and strong interest. If you’re only half in, it won’t carry. But when you lead with genuine energy, the finish will match the start.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). There are those who search for extraterrestrial life in hopes of finding someone in this big universe who might be willing to shed some fresh light on the experience. You can relate. You too await a distant affirmation, and today you finally get a sign.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Where there’s a lack of structure, your influence will make a difference. Today shows you stepping into a situation that needs what you do best: clarity, order and direction. You’ll use what’s there, rearranging the elements in support of the plans.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Unhelpful and irrelevant thoughts pop to mind based on your past experiences, habits or worries — not unlike internet ads that track your browsing history. But just because a thought appears doesn’t mean it deserves your attention or action. Click the “X” and it goes away.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Golden collaborations are coming together. Encourage unity. It doesn’t mean losing your identity, just syncing up for the sake of a common goal. Pretend the group is one mind working for the betterment of all.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Good people wrestle with what they’ve done, not to punish themselves but to grow. The ones who feel nothing can’t change. So, if you feel bad, take heart — it means you’re still someone worth trusting. Regret can only be felt by those who care.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Knowing enough to be dangerous means having just enough knowledge to feel confident but not enough to be wise — a risky place to operate from. Today, it’s better to stay curious. When something tugs at your attention, go deeper. It could save you from a costly oversimplification.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (June 25). Your decisions in the world are like a dance of legendary grace, not because there’s a smooth dance floor beneath your feet but because you’ve stopped expecting there to be one. Your sense of humor sharpens, your sense of purpose deepens, and people will follow your lead. More highlights: A wild idea finds structure. A relationship will be your great, shining pride. Scorpio and Aquarius adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 5, 17, 22, 30 and 9.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Cancer’s comedic sense is born of a need to protect themselves against harsh realities. Like a crab whose best defense is a hard shell, Cancer comedians deflect harm by turning it into a laugh. Textbook Cancer Ricky Gervais, the mastermind behind “The Office,” “Extras,” “Derek” and more comic masterpieces, blends vulnerability with bite. His humor disarms, then delivers truth — a classic Cancer move: make them laugh, then make them feel it.

Holiday Mathis’ debut novel, “How To Fail Epically in Hollywood,” is out now! This fast-paced romp about achieving Hollywood stardom is available as a paperback and e-book. Visit creatorspublishing.com for more information. Write Holiday Mathis at HolidayMathis.com.

General

Birmingham’s water system has a new name and new coalition firmly in charge

The Birmingham Water Works Board no longer exists. In its place, get used to referring to the state’s largest water utility as “Central Alabama Water,” following a vote by board members to rebrand the system.

Board members Tuesday evening approved changing both the legal and public name of the utility. Officially, the name will become “City of Birmingham Regional Water Works,” doing business as Central Alabama Water.

“The statute says we can change the name as long as the official name says Birmingham,” said Board Chairman Tommy Hudson, a Mountain Brook member who was appointed by Gov. Kay Ivey.

The vote to change the name occurred on a 5-2 split with all members from suburban areas agreeing and the two members from the city of Birmingham opposing it. Jarvis Patton and Jefferson County Commissioner Sheila Tyson were the lone members in opposition.

The amended name to include Central Alabama Water was made by Jeffrey Brumlow, an appointee from Shelby County.

The new name for the water works brought immediate reaction from some Birmingham city leaders.

“I’m curious what the cost is going to be, because you’ve got to rebrand every vehicle, every uniform, repaint every water tower, and for what?” Councilwoman Carol Clarke told AL.com shortly after the action. “Birmingham is a city and a region so it makes no sense.”

Clarke said the new board configuration was touted as a way to bring in reforms to benefit ratepayers, but haphazard name changes don’t reflect that purported mission.

“It just seems like reform is nowhere to be found,” Clarke said. “It makes you wonder what is all this really about because we need the system to work better for the ratepayers.”

Tuesday’s meeting was tense at times with a frequent 5-2 split illustrating the political and regional divide among board members.

The five-member majority are all appointed by Republican authorities and come from outside Birmingham’s city limits. Patton and Tyson were appointed by Birmingham’s mayor and city council in a largely Democratic city.

Hudson began the meeting by asserting his authority and declaring that the board would adhere to bylaws that limit member comments to twice on an issue, mandate that all questions be directed toward him and prohibit disparaging remarks.

Hudson’s dramatic clamp down on discussion came after a sometimes heated exchange during a work session last week where Patton and Tyson pushed back against the majority on several items, including the hiring of an additional law firm to handle the city’s lawsuit challenging the new board’s composition.

A state law approved by the legislature reshaped the water works board and stripped the majority control from the city of Birmingham. The new law regionalized the board and gave most of the power to suburban areas on a 5-2 split.

Birmingham mayoral appointee Jarvis Patton at the first meeting of the regional Birmingham Water Works Board on May 14, 2025Roy S. Johnson

The newly-hired firm, Capell & Howard P.C. of Montgomery, was placed on the agenda Tuesday without Birmingham members Tyson or Patton having any input, according to both Birmingham members.

The city of Birmingham filed a federal lawsuit challenging the state law that wrested control of the utility from local officials.

Capell & Howard P.C. was approved Tuesday evening – on a 5-2 vote.

The firm became the latest in a growing series of lawyer hires for the new governing board. The old board had been often criticized for – among other things – spending ratepayer money hiring outside law firms.

“Is this how we’re going to run this the rest of the year?” Patton asked Hudson during the work session regarding the item last week. “I see you as a better man than that.”

“That’s no way to run a board,” Tyson added at the time.

But by Tuesday night, such conversation was not tolerated under Hudson’s new rules, and Patton was silenced at times when seeking to elaborate or ask questions.

The old water works board was also criticized, shortly before the legislature moved to get rid of them, for a policy limiting public comment.

The new board’s policy limits comments from its own board members.

“You’ve got to let us speak, now,” Tyson told Hudson when she pressed for more discussion before a vote to hire an auditor.

“No, I don’t,” Hudson shot back.

Patton then pressed to know how items appear on the agenda without board discussion.

“I’m sorry, but I’m asking for a vote now,” Hudson said before the 5-2 vote to approve the measure to hire Warren Averett CPAs.

General

Teen killed by Homewood police had no gun, did not fight, family says: ‘He had a future’

The family of an Alabama teen fatally shot by police in a Homewood soccer park said he was not armed, not aggressive and did not resist police.

Jabari Latrell Peoples, 18, of Aliceville, died at UAB Hospital in Birmingham less than hour after police say he was armed and struggled with an officer who then shot him.

“We will pursue this case until the truth is fully exposed, and justice is served,” according to the family’s statement posted on Facebook, “not only for Jabari, but for every family who’s been forced to bury a loved one without answers.”

The shooting happened at 9:30 p.m. Monday at the Homewood Soccer Park in the 1800 block of South Lakeshore Drive near Columbiana Road.

Sgt. Mark Trippe said a Homewood officer was investigating a suspicious vehicle at the park. The park was otherwise empty at the time, police said.

Peoples, police said, was inside the vehicle in question and engaged in a physical altercation and then pulled a gun.

The officer then shot Peoples.

He was taken to UAB Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 10:06 p.m.

Per department policy, the investigation was turned over to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s State Bureau of Investigation.

In a Tuesday night statement, ALEA officials echoed Homewood’s account of the incident, and said the officer was treated on the scene for injuries.

The family’s statement said they were not notified by law enforcement or medical personnel but instead learned of People’s death at 10 a.m. Tuesday when they were notified by the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office.

Efforts by AL.com to contact the family were not immediately successful.

By the time they were contacted, the family statement said, his body had already been transported, and an autopsy had been conducted without their knowledge or consent.

They were instructed to send a funeral home to retrieve his body.

“We were denied the right to identify him. We were denied the right to be present,” the statement read. “We were denied basic dignity.”

The family said Peoples’ was approached by an individual in an unmarked vehicle, with no lights, no sirens, and no visible identification. That officer exited the car, tapped on the window, and told the occupants to exit.

“They followed directions,” the family said. “Jabari complied — and within seconds, he was taken to the ground and shot.”

“A witness was present. That person saw everything,” they said. “There was no weapon. There was no threat.”

The family said the officer took no life-saving action and left Peoples to die. “He was left to bleed out on the street,” the statement continued.

“Jabari was a college student,” according to the statement. “He had a family. He had a future.”

The family said they have not received a police report or seen video footage of the incident or heard from Homewood police.

“But we have heard the lies. We’ve read the headlines — and we’ve watched attempts to twist this narrative,’’ the statement said.

“Let us be clear: This was not just negligence. It was a violation of Jabari’s civil rights, of our family’s human rights, of due process and decency,” the statement read.

The statement said the family is demanding public release of the full police report, all available body cam and dash cam footage, identification of the officer, and a full, independent investigation.

“His life mattered. His death will not be ignored,” the family said, “and his story will not be rewritten.”