Earlier this month, the tragic death of a Northwestern State football player was reported.
After serious consideration, the team’s head coach has decided to resign.
Additionally, the program canceled the rest of its games for the season.
Shut It Down
Defensive Back Ronnie Caldwell had been shot to death in early October.
The death obviously shook the team, and his death is still under investigation.
However, his roommate, 27-year-old John McIntosh, has been arrested for unrelated gun and drug charges.
Head Coach Brad Laird resigned, stating, “Due to the loss of Ronnie and the emotional burden it has caused me, I don’t feel I can give my all to these players or this program.
“Any coach will tell you that their players become like family, so the loss of Ronnie was like losing a son.
“I love this program and this university, and I know it will persevere and move forward with the competitive spirit that is at the core of our DNA.”
The school also announced the remainder of the season would be canceled.
NSU President Dr. Marcus Jones stated, “Ronnie was a beloved member of our community, and we miss him dearly.
“While our instinct was to return to the field of play following his death, we’ve since learned that the hurt on our team was too deep.
“Now it is in the best interest of our players, coaches and staff to pause and to take this time to mourn, to heal and to support Ronnie’s family.”
Tough to imagine what these kids are going through right now, but many would question if this was, in fact, the right thing to do.
I cannot help but go back to the think of the Marshall football program losing virtually its entire team in a plane crash, but the program continued.
Would football give them a much-needed distraction or create more pain?
Source: Fox News
