Shooting of “Last Chance U” Coach John Beam Sparks Outrage and Concern in Oakland Community
OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — A suspect has been arrested in the shooting of college football coach John Beam, who was featured in the Netflix series “Last Chance U” and remains in critical condition after being shot on campus, the Oakland Police Department said Friday. The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, with many expressing outrage and concern for the well-being of the beloved coach.
Community Reaction and Support
Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee described Beam as a “giant” and a mentor, educator, and lifeline for young people. “For over 40 years, he has shaped leaders on and off the field, and our community is shaken alongside his family,” Lee said. The Netflix docuseries focused on athletes at junior colleges striving to turn their lives around, and Beam’s Laney College Eagles starred in the 2020 season.
Two of Beam’s former players — brothers Nahshon and Rejzohn Wright, now in the NFL with the Chicago Bears and New Orleans Saints — posted on social media after the shooting. “You mean the world to me,” Rejzohn Wright said in a post with a photo of Beam. His brother shared a photo of the coach alongside a broken heart emoji. According to Beam’s biography on the college’s website, 20 of his players have gone on to the NFL.
Investigation and Response
Beam, currently serving as athletic director, joined Laney College in 2004 as a running backs coach and became head coach in 2012, winning two league titles. The Peralta community is devastated by his shooting and deeply concerned for his well-being. “We are stunned and heartbroken that such violence has touched our campus,” Mark Johnson, a spokesperson for Peralta Community College District, said in an emailed statement on Beam’s current medical status.
Beam’s shooting came a day after a student was shot at Oakland’s Skyline High School. The student is in stable condition. The incident highlights the need for increased safety measures and support for students and staff in educational institutions. For more information on this developing story, please visit Here
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