There are days when sports take a backseat to events that have a much more tangible impact on lives. Today is such a day.
9 students and 1 teacher have lost their lives as a result of a mass shooting at Santa Fe High School in Santa Fe, Texas.
Authorities have indicated that 10 other people were injured at the school and hospitals in the area are saying that they are treating a total of 14 people with injuries from the event.
The shooter was a 17-year old who committed the horrific acts with a shotgun and revolver. Authorities also found explosives nearby set by the shooter.
Santa Fe is just 30 miles from Houston, and with the Houston Rockets currently in the Western Conference Finals against the Golden State Warriors, the tragedy has had a tremendous impact on the Rockets as well as the entire Houston community.
Point guard Chris Paul gave moving comments about the shooting at the Rockets’ practice session and sent out a tweet imploring the country to do better by our children.
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr also took to Twitter with a message urging gun owners to store their firearms securely so that they don’t fall into the wrong hands.
Our thoughts are with all those who have been affected by this horrendous tragedy. We must come together to help those in need heal.
For all the focus we put on basketball, it is ultimately just a game meant to provide joy and entertainment. There are much more important things to worry about than the outcome of an athletic competition.
Basketball is fun, but events like this tend to put things in perspective. A loss on the court suddenly doesn’t seem like such a catastrophe.
We are sending all of our love to the town of Sante Fe and all those affected by this tragedy. We are with you and support you.