Michigan State sporting events postponed through at least Friday | National Sports
EAST LANSING, Mich. – As the Michigan state community grapples with the tragedy of Monday night’s mass shooting, the Spartans athletic department is also doing its best to get through a difficult time.
In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, which killed three students and injured five others, all of whom were in critical condition as of Tuesday noon, the Michigan State campus was shut down and that was the only thing reporting for the rest of the week and classes necessary staff will not be continued before Monday.
That means all athletics have also been postponed until at least Friday, confirmed athletic director Alan Haller.
That includes a men’s basketball game scheduled for Wednesday against Minnesota, as well as the women’s basketball game scheduled for Wednesday at Purdue, in addition to the men’s tennis game Wednesday against Drake. The women’s basketball team would normally have left for Purdue Tuesday afternoon, but that trip was canceled, Haller said.
As of late Tuesday morning, there was no update on the Michigan men’s basketball game scheduled for Saturday night.
Haller emphasized that athletic competition is secondary right now and the health and well-being of all students and the Michigan State community remain a priority.
The Big Ten issued a statement early Tuesday afternoon offering their support for Michigan State.
“The Big Ten conference was in constant contact with Michigan State University campus leaders throughout the night and this morning,” the statement said. “The entire conference keeps the Spartan community close to our hearts as we all try to understand these senseless acts of violence.
“We send our deepest condolences to the families who are grieving the tragic loss of loved ones and we pray for the full recovery of those injured who remain at Sparrow Hospital.
“While we await more information, the conference will continue to support Michigan State University and its community in any way we can in their healing efforts.”
There was no indication when a decision on games beyond Friday would be announced or when postponed games would be rescheduled.
Former Michigan State players and coaches took to social media Tuesday to support the university, including football coach Mark Dantonio, who took to Twitter.
“Devastated and shocked by the tragic event that took place last night at MSU, the place and community my family still calls home,” Dantonio wrote. “Our thoughts and prayers are with all Spartans. #SpartansStrong #SpartansWill”
“My heart breaks for the entire Michigan State community…I mourn along with all my Spartans. #SpartanStrong,” said former quarterback and current Minnesota Viking Kirk Cousins.
Basketball legend and Lanser native Earvin Magic Johnson posted late Monday night.
“Cookie and I are devastated to learn the news of a shooting on a Michigan State campus. We pray for the victims, their families, students, faculty, staff and administration,” Johnson said on Twitter. “This is such a tragic situation and our hearts go out to the MSU community, all of Lansing and East Lansing!”