Arrest Made in Shooting of Laney College Coach John Beam

Oakland, California – In a tragic turn of events, college football coach John Beam, known for his appearance in the Netflix series Last Chance U, remains in critical condition following a shooting on the campus of Laney College. The Oakland Police Department confirmed the arrest of a suspect related to the incident.

Details of the Incident

• Date of Incident: Recent reports indicated that Beam was shot on campus, marking the second incident of gun violence in Oakland schools within just two days.
• Previous Incident: A student at Skyline High School was shot the day before; fortunately, the student is reported to be in stable condition.

Community Reaction

Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee expressed deep concern, referring to Beam as a “giant” in the community—one who has dedicated over 40 years to mentoring and shaping young lives. She emphasized his profound impact on the community:

“For over 40 years, he has shaped leaders on and off the field, and our community is shaken alongside his family.”

Support from Former Players

Following the shooting, Beam’s former players shared their support on social media. NFL athletes Nahshon and Rejzohn Wright, who played under Beam at Laney, posted heartfelt tributes:

• Rejzohn Wright: “You mean the world to me,” accompanied by a poignant photo of the coach.
• Nahshon Wright: Shared a photo of Beam with a broken heart emoji.

John Beam’s Legacy at Laney College

• Role: Beam has been a coach at Laney College since 2004, becoming head coach in 2012.
• Achievements: Under his leadership, Laney College’s Eagles won two league titles, and he has helped 20 players transition to the NFL.
• Current Position: Beyond coaching, Beam serves as the athletic director at Laney College.

Community Impact

Mark Johnson, spokesperson for the Peralta Community College District, expressed the community’s devastation regarding Beam’s shooting:

“The Peralta community is devastated by his shooting and deeply concerned for his well-being. We are stunned and heartbroken that such violence has touched our campus.”

Conclusion

The shooting of John Beam has cast a shadow over Laney College and the surrounding community. As investigations continue, the focus remains on the well-being of the coach and the collective healing of the community. Support from former players and the broader community illustrates the respect and admiration Beam has earned throughout his career.

For ongoing updates about John Beam’s condition and further details about the shooting incidents in Oakland, stay tuned to reliable news sources.

John Beam, Laney College’s athletic director and coach, in critical condition after campus shooting. Courtesy of Netflix