New Orleans Pelicans coach Willie Inexperienced acquired a textual content message from his father early Wednesday after a terrorist assault involving a pickup truck occurred within the metropolis after its New Yr’s Eve celebration ended.
New Orleans Pelicans coach Willie Inexperienced acquired a textual content from his father wishing him a Joyful New Yr and prayers for residents
In keeping with Tim Reynolds of The Related Press, the primary a part of Inexperienced’s textual content message from his father wished him a Joyful New Yr. The second supplied prayers for New Orleans.
“I’m devastated,” Inexperienced mentioned. “A mindless act of violence. We’ve mentioned it a bit with our gamers. However we’re simply residing in occasions and in a world the place you simply don’t know the place you’re protected.”
The Pelicans had a sport Wednesday in opposition to the Warmth in Miami, however they arrived to play with their minds centered on the tragedy. New Orleans performs its house video games about 1 mile southwest of the intersection of Bourbon Avenue and Canal Avenue, the place the assault occurred.
“Devastated. Our hearts, prayers, and ideas exit to all of the households which can be impacted by a mindless act of violence.”
-HC Willie Inexperienced pic.twitter.com/WDLszYVHXJ
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) January 1, 2025
The recognized attacker, 42-year-old Shamsud Din Jabbar, deliberately drove a white pickup truck — bearing the flag of an Islamic State group — right into a crowd of pedestrians, killing 15 folks and injuring no less than 30 others.
“Faculties, church buildings, folks ought to have the ability to exit and have an excellent time and stroll the streets. It’s devastating. And I can solely think about what these households are going by way of, what they need to take care of now for the remainder of their lives,” Inexperienced added.
New Yr’s Day assault compelled a one-day delay of the Sugar Bowl
Moreover, the terrorist assault led to a one-day delay of the Sugar Bowl for a Faculty Soccer Playoff quarterfinal matchup between Notre Dame and Georgia. The competition at Caesars Superdome was initially scheduled for Wednesday evening at 8:45 p.m. ET, nevertheless it was moved to Thursday on the identical time.
The Saints and Pelicans additionally launched a joint assertion on the assault Wednesday afternoon.
“The New Orleans Saints and New Orleans Pelicans are deeply saddened by the tragic occasions that occurred on Bourbon Avenue early on New Yr’s Day,” the joint assertion reads.
pic.twitter.com/QAuEZ5nuyE
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) January 1, 2025
“Out hearts exit to all victims and their households throughout this tough time and categorical our deepest gratitude to the primary responders who acted swiftly and bravely on the scene.
“New Orleans is a metropolis constructed on resilience, and this heartbreaking occasion reminds us of the significance of coming collectively to assist each other, to honor these affected, and to work towards therapeutic as a group. In occasions of tragedy, the New Orleans group has at all times proven extraordinary braveness and compassion, and we’re sure that this time can be no completely different.”
Miami Warmth coach Erik Spoelstra mentioned gamers first discovered of the information whereas within the staff weight room
Furthermore, Warmth coach Erik Spoelstra mentioned the information was displayed on televisions within the staff weight room on Wednesday. The assault introduced everybody “to an absolute halt.”
“It’s terrifying,” Spoelstra mentioned. “It’s horrific. Till all of us discover out extra particulars, you pray for all of the households and all people that’s experiencing loss. The unknown, additionally, is terrifying.”
The Pelicans are scheduled to play at house on Friday in opposition to the Washington Wizards.
