Former Los Angeles Lakers point guard and NBA legend Magic Johnson expressed his sympathy towards the families of the victims of the recent terror attack in New Orleans.
The terrorist attack in New Orleans took place on Bourbon Street in the French Quarter. It happened early in the morning at 3:15 a.m. CST, while people were in the streets continuing the celebration of the New Year.
“Praying for the families of the victims in New Orleans following the senseless act of violence New Year’s Day,” Magic said in his post on X.
Praying for the families of the victims in New Orleans following the senseless act of violence New Year’s Day 🙏🏾
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 2, 2025
The attacker was identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old U.S. Army veteran from Texas, who drove a pickup truck toward the people on the street. He was eventually fatally shot by the police and was killed in the shootout. Fifteen people died and at least 30 were injured.
The New Orleans Pelicans and Saints, the NBA and NFL teams of the city, issued a joint statement condemning the attack and expressing hope for the city and its community to recover from the tragedy.
“Our hearts go out to all victims and their families during this difficult time, and express our deepest gratitude to the first responders who acted swiftly and bravely on the scene,” the statement said. “ In times of tragedy, the New Orleans community has always shown extraordinary courage and compassion, and we are certain that this time will be no different.”
Magic Johnson Mourns Passing of Veteran Sportscaster
Magic Johnson mourned the passing of a respected industry colleague Greg Gumbel, who died on December 27.
Gumbel is considered a pioneer in sports broadcasting and contributed a lot in reporting stories across all sports, including the NBA. In his post, Johnson expressed his respect toward the African-American announcer and his sympathy for his loved ones.
“I’m saddened to hear about the passing of longtime and legendary broadcaster and friend Greg Gumbel,” Johnson said in his X post. “Greg was an African-American pioneer. He spent over 50 years in sports broadcasting – as one of the first studio hosts and in the broadcast booth for the NFL, March Madness, and more. Cookie and I are praying for his wife Marcy, daughter Michelle, brother Bryant, and the entire Gumbel family during this difficult time.”
I’m saddened to hear about the passing of longtime and legendary broadcaster and friend Greg Gumbel. Greg was an African-American pioneer. He spent over 50 years in sports broadcasting – as one of the first studio hosts and in the broadcast booth for the NFL, March Madness, and…
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) December 27, 2024
Magic Johnson has been a Laker for the entirety of his career until he retired in 1991. He briefly came back in 1996 and played once more for the Lakers. He was hailed NBA Finals MVP three times.
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Dan has been active in sports since 2016 and has worked behind the scenes as a scriptwriter for basketball, volleyball, and other sports. At a time, Dan has also been working as a sports commentator for CBA Pilipinas. During the pandemic, he has also been actively writing betting articles for CashBet and BetNow.
