Following the death of Laney College football “icon” John Beam in a “senseless” attack, Golden State star Stephen Curry delivered a heartfelt message to Beam’s family. Beam, who participated in the 2020 college football documentary series “Last Chance U” on Netflix, is thought to have been shot in the head on Thursday at the Oakland campus where he was employed as athletic director. Additionally, Steve Kerr, the Warriors coach, began his pregame press conference on Friday night by honoring the longtime football coach. Kerr began his pregame press conference in San Antonio on Friday night by speaking about his admiration for the late football coach and Oakland legend while wearing a white shirt with the words “John Beam.”
Steph Curry’s emotional words echo through the Bay Area as a community mourns a fallen icon
After being taken to the hospital, he eventually passed away from his wounds. Cedric Irving Jr. was detained by police early on Friday morning. However, Beam’s death has shaken the Bay Area, and Curry honored the deceased coach following the game. He said: “Being from the Bay and understanding the icon that was lost – John Beam – I’m sending all thoughts and prayers to his family and the whole Laney College Community and all of Oakland.. Senseless violence is tough. It puts in perspective what we get to do everyday. But I know he was a legend and touched a lot of lives. So I just want to acknowledge that…”When asked if he had ever met Beam before to his untimely demise at the age of 66, Curry responded: “I did not…” Wearing a “John Beam” t-shirt, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr honored the late football legend at the start of his press conference prior to the game. Kerr stated:“Today is a really, really sad day – a sad day for the Bay Area, for Coach Beam’s family and everyone in Oakland. He was a revered figure in Oakland – he did so much for so many people and so, on behalf of the Warriors, I just want to extend our condolences and remind everybody that we have to be the change. As a community, as citizens, we have to be the ones who insist that we address the gun violence issue in this country.”
After more than 40 years as a successful football coach, Beam was a beloved member of the college athletics community. He is left by his wife Cindi, two kids, and two granddaughters. Meanwhile, in a statement, the family characterized him as a devoted husband, father, grandpa, brother, uncle, coach, mentor, and friend. At a news conference on Friday afternoon, police released a statement from Beam’s family:“We are devastated that John Beam, our loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, coach, mentor, and friend, has passed… Our hearts are full from the outpouring of love and support from all who cared about him. We are deeply grateful for your continued prayers, well wishes and thoughts. At this time, we kindly ask everyone to fully respect our family’s privacy.”According to the police, a gun was found and the suspect was apprehended without incident. The suspect was known to hang about Laney’s campus, according to Oakland police assistant chief James Beere. He did not go into additional detail, but he said that the suspect was on campus for a “specific reason.”Additionally, no other information has been made available regarding the tragic incident. On the other hand, as of yet, no other NBA players have said anything about it. Also read: Is Stephen Curry playing tonight Vs Oklahoma City Thunder? Golden State Warriors legend’s status and health issues revealed (11-11-2025)
