The NFL’s preseason kicked off Thursday evening underneath the shadow of a tragedy. A second of silence was held earlier than kickoff of the annual Corridor of Fame Sport in Canton, Ohio, for the 4 individuals killed in a shooting Monday at the league’s headquarters in New York City. One NFL worker was wounded within the assault and is recovering.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell didn’t attend the sport as he remained in New York to attend the funeral of NYPD officer Didarul Islam, one of many victims.
Goodell told NBC he spent an hour visiting the injured NFL worker on Wednesday and mentioned the person is “secure and bettering,” including that he’s optimistic about his restoration.
“It is simply heartbreaking for all of us. It is devastating,” Goodell mentioned. “An incredible younger man, and so we’re optimistic about his restoration and I believe that is excellent news for all of us within the NFL and clearly our hearts proceed to be in assist with the household. I believe it’s one thing that’s actually arduous for all of us to know and to cope with.”
Authorities recognized the gunman as 27-year-old Shane Tamura of Las Vegas. Police mentioned Tamura opened fireplace within the constructing’s foyer and afterward an higher flooring earlier than killing himself.
Tamura reportedly struggled with mental illness and had beforehand disclosed suicidal ideas, in response to investigators. In a notice recovered on the scene, he urged that his mind be examined for indicators of persistent traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE — a degenerative situation linked to repeated head trauma. The notice additionally accused the NFL of prioritizing revenue over participant security, alleging the league had lengthy downplayed the dangers of mind damage. Tamura, who performed highschool soccer, cited varied books and documentaries that look at the connection between football-related head trauma and long-term neurological injury.
NYC shooting at NFL headquarters: Roger Goodell addresses league employees, announces temporary office closure
Steven Taranto
“It’s a tough factor, significantly when you’re coping with mindless acts like this,” Goodell mentioned. “They’re arduous for all of us to know, when it inflicts ache on individuals and folks you care about and those who we cope with every day, that is significantly arduous.
“As these acts of mindless violence and hatred are occurring round our nation and our world, far too typically in faculties and church buildings and synagogues and different locations, this could simply not be occurring. However all of us need to proceed to be vigilant and do what we are able to to guard ourselves and the NFL’s going to try this with our staff and our individuals.”
The NFL closed its workplaces and advised staff they might work remotely via a minimum of the tip of subsequent week. A digital city corridor was held Wednesday to offer assist and psychological well being sources.