By Micheal Chukwuebuka, Reporting
NORTHWESTERN State has announced the cancelation of the remaining of its football season, citing the need to attend to the mental health of its players in the wake of the fatal shooting of safety Ronnie Caldwell.
“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,” University President Marcus Jones said.
The team’s coach, Brad Laird who spent six seasons with the program tendered his resignation letter.
“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.
“I want to thank our team, family, friends and the whole Northwestern State community for your understanding of this difficult decision.
“We appreciate your support during this challenging time,” Laird said in a statement released by the university.
Athletics director Kevin Bostian, reacting to the coach’s resignation letter said:
“We appreciate Coach Laird’s long-term investment in Northwestern State football.”
He also added that Laird had excelled as a quarterback for the Demons and had worked in the university’s alumni office.
Stonix News learnt that Caldwell was a junior safety from Cedar Park, Texas, who was unable to play recently because of an injury, he had been traveling with the team in a quasi-coaching capacity, helping the staff overseeing defensive backs
According to reports, Caldwell was found dead with multiple gunshot wounds by Natchitoches police officers who responded to a distress call at an apartment complex near campus.
Caldwell was pronounced dead at the scene.
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