‘:michigan State cancels football season after shooting death of thire key player on the team.
State has canceled the rest of its football season, two weeks after junior safety Ronnie Caldwell was shot and killed, the school announced Thursday.
“Ronnie was a beloved member of our community, and we miss him dearly,” NSU President Marcus Jones said in a release. “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. Jones 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.”
“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,” Laird said in the release. “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.”
A Cedar Park, Texas native, Caldwell was killed on Oct. 12. KALB in Louisiana reported that Caldwell’s roommate, John McIntosh, was arrested the following day and charged with possession of a firearm in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance, but that local police have not confirmed if that is connected to Caldwell’s death. On Oct. 20, KALB also reported that Northwestern State defensive tackle Maurice Campbell was arrested in connection with Caldwell’s death and charged with obstruction of justice, possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute and possession of a firearm in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance.
Northwestern State canceled its game immediately following Caldwell’s death. The Demons played Southeastern Louisiana last Friday, a 37-20 loss to fall to 0-6.
“I want to thank our team, family, friends and the whole Northwestern State community for your understanding of this difficult decision,” Jones said. “We appreciate your support during this challenging time.”
