The sports world reacted quickly Tuesday to the news of the deadly school shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas.
The shooting left 19 children and two adults dead — the deadliest school shooting in Texas history.
Before his team’s Game 4 playoff matchup against the Dallas Mavericks, Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr didn’t want to talk about basketball. Kerr spoke emotionally about the shooting during his pregame press conference.
“When are we going to do something? I’m tired,” Kerr said. “I’m so tired of getting up here and offering condolences to the devastated families that are out there. I’m so tired. Excuse me. I’m sorry. I’m tired of the moments of silence. Enough.”
Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James reacted to the news angrily on Twitter:
James tweeted: “My thoughts and prayers goes out to the families of love ones loss & injured at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, TX! Like when is enough enough, man!!! These are kids, and we keep putting them in harms way at school. Like seriously, “AT SCHOOL” where it’s suppose to be the safest!”
My thoughts and prayers goes out to the families of love ones loss & injured at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, TX! Like when is enough enough man!!! These are kids and we keep putting them in harms way at school. Like seriously “AT SCHOOL” where it’s suppose to be the safest!
— LeBron James (@KingJames) May 24, 2022
After the Warriors lost to the Mavericks, guard Damion Lee expressed his frustration and made a comparison.
“It’s just sad,” Lee said. “Obviously everyone saw Steve’s (Kerr) pregame presser. Those are my exact same sentiments. It’s sad the world that we live in. We need to reform that. Guns shouldn’t be as easily accessible … like it’s easier to get a gun than baby formula right now. That’s unbelievable in this country that we live in.”
Lee continued, “I don’t like bringing things on myself, but I have a kid now. Me and my wife were talking before the game just about how scary it is. … You have a child, obviously not old enough to go to school, but when that does happen how crazy the world is.”
Many other teams and athletes around the world took to social media to express their frustration and offer support for those affected by the shooting:
Absolutely tragic. We have to do better as a country!! Me and my family are sending prayers to the families affected today at Robb Elementary 🙏🏾
— Chris Paul (@CP3) May 24, 2022
Has to stop man…… prayers to all the families in Texas 🙏🏽
— Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes) May 24, 2022
These attack are just getting worst!! Prayers to those families involved!!! Change must come!!
— Micah Parsons (@MicahhParsons11) May 24, 2022
The NBA family is devastated by the horrific shooting that took place today in Uvalde, Texas. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to the victims’ family and friends, and the entire Robb Elementary School and Uvalde community.
— NBA (@NBA) May 24, 2022
Breaks my heart hearing this news, no parent should ever have to lose there child. Praying for the families of those kids and the teacher 🙏🏽❤️… this is devastating
— Jayson Tatum (@jaytatum0) May 24, 2022
We are heartbroken by this afternoon’s tragic events in Uvalde as we mourn alongside our neighbors in Texas. To the victims, their families and the entire Uvalde community, you are held close to our hearts today and in the weeks to come.
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) May 24, 2022
💔❤️🩹Uvalde, Texas. The unthinkable and unimaginable. As I look at my daughter my heart is hurting for all the lives lost and their loved ones. A parents worst nightmare. Enough is enough. No more gun violence, no more terrorism. This is sickening.
— Breanna Stewart (@breannastewart) May 25, 2022
— Aron Yohannes