Michael Malone had a message for the scared and mourning in Highlands Ranch on Tuesday night: I’m with you.
“And itap not just Highlands Ranch. Itap not just Colorado,” the Denver Nuggets coach said a few hours before his team was to take on the Portland Trail Blazers in Game 5 of the NBA’s Western Conference semifinals at the Pepsi Center. “And this is an epidemic and it continues to happen. Thatap the frustrating thing: How do you stop it? Gun control, laws, whatever it might be.
“I don’t want to sit up there on a soapbox … I want everyone in Highlands Ranch to know, ‘We’re with you.’”
Coach Malone shared his thoughts on the shooting at STEM School Highlands Ranch at tonight's pregame news conference.
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets)
For the 47-year-old Malone, the Tuesday afternoon shooting at the STEM School Highlands Ranch that killed one student and injured at least seven others, struck close to home. The coach said the school “is literally 2 minutes from where I live, right down Broadway.” Before coaching the game, he had to comfort his wife and two daughters. Both girls are middle-school age but do not attend the STEM school.
“I’m texting my daughter telling her she’s going to be OK,” Malone continued. “I don’t even know if she will be OK.”
Malone, who opened his pregame news conference with a long, impassioned statement on the tragedy, was emotional as he recounted his conversation with his wife and daughters, and thanked Douglas County first-responders for their efforts. The coach wasn’t sure if he would address it with his team with his team as they prepared for an 8:30 p.m. tip off.
“Sometimes, I want our players focusing on the game, especially right now,” Malone said. “Thatap a conversation and subject maybe for an off-day.”
A Nuggets team spokesman said he wasn’t aware of other basketball staff or personnel directly affected by the shooting. The franchise posted a message of condolence on its official Twitter account and a moment of silence was held prior to the national anthem being performed in advance of Game 5.
Malone noted, in a voice mixed with incredulity and concern, that this was the second time his daughters have had their school in a lockout or lockdown scenario this month.
“This is every parentap worst nightmare,” Malone continued. “And itap something that, when you see your kids go to school in the morning, (you) say, ‘Have a great day,’ and just assume everything is going to be all right.
“We know, itap not. So figure it out.”
Sports organizations and professional athletes from around Colorado have reacted to the shooting at STEM School on twitter:
We ask all of you to join us in keeping those impacted by today’s tragic shooting at STEM School in Highlands Ranch in our thoughts. We extend our condolences to the victims, their families, the entire community and everyone affected by violence.
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets)
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the victims, their families, the entire community and everyone affected by the violence at STEM School.
We know all of Colorado will stand together and provide support to those in Highlands Ranch through this difficult time.
— x – Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche)
We’re thinking of everyone affected by this tragedy, and we are thankful for the efforts of our first responders.
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos)
So sad to hear about the shooting in Denver. Although we play against tonight, we are hurting now. 💔
My heart is with the kids and their families. The sending prayers to you and stand with the Denver community! 🙏— Enes FREEDOM (@EnesFreedom)
Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the STEM school shooting. Sending peace and strength to the kids and families directly involved and to the first responders. 💔
— Ed McCaffrey (@87ed)
Life’s too short to live with hate. Thoughts and prayers go out to all educators but especially those in Highlands Ranch tonight. Teachers work too hard to help these young adults to succeed to have to worry about their lives. Kids if you’re struggling, ask for help. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
— Casey Kreiter (@caseykreiter)
Can we just get metal detectors and Have a cop at every entrance. This is occurring way to often.
— Chris Harris (@ChrisHarrisJr)
Malone, who lives 2 minutes from the shooting: 'I want everyone in Highlands Ranch to know I'm with you … it makes you angry. It hits home.'
— Sean Keeler (@SeanKeeler)
