A devastating terrorist attack in New Orleans cast a shadow over New Year’s celebrations, leaving the city’s NBA coach Willie Green and the sports community shaken.
Green got two texts from his father early Wednesday – one wishing him a Happy New Year, the other offering prayers for the city he calls home.
“I’m devastated,” Green said. “A senseless act of violence. We’ve discussed it a bit with our players. But we’re just living in times and in a world where you just don’t know where you’re safe.”
The attack hit especially close to home for the Pelicans. Their arena sits just a mile from where a pickup truck plowed into New Year’s crowds at Bourbon and Canal Streets.
The driver, 42-year-old Shamsud Din Jabbar, deliberately drove into pedestrians while flying an ISIS flag. Fifteen people lost their lives, with at least 30 more injured.
“Schools, churches, people should be able to go out and have a good time and walk the streets,” Green said. “I can only imagine what those families are going through, what they have to deal with now for the rest of their lives.”
The violence forced changes across the city’s sports schedule. The Sugar Bowl – a huge college football playoff game between Notre Dame and Georgia – had to be pushed back a day.
Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra described how his team learned about the attack while working out Wednesday morning. The news stopped everyone “to an absolute halt” when it came across the TV screens.
“It’s terrifying,” Spoelstra said. “It’s horrific. Until we all find out more details, you pray for all the families and everybody that’s experiencing loss.”
The Saints and Pelicans released a joint statement highlighting the city’s strength: “New Orleans is a city built on resilience, and this heartbreaking event reminds us of the importance of coming together to support one another.”
The Pelicans, who were in Miami for a game Wednesday, are set to return home Friday to face the Washington Wizards – their first game back in a city working to heal.
