Netflix Football Coach Fighting for Life After Campus Shooting
John Beam, the celebrated football coach who starred in Netflix's documentary series Last Chance U, is in critical condition after being shot on his college campus today. The 66-year-old athletic director was reportedly shot in the head during the incident that has shaken the Oakland community.
Shooting Details and Immediate Response
The attack occurred around noon at the Laney Field House sports complex on the campus of Laney College. The Oakland Police Department confirmed that Beam was the only victim and was rushed to hospital with serious injuries. Authorities have since arrested an unidentified attacker and described the shooting as an isolated incident.
Following the shooting, the college was immediately placed on lockdown as a precautionary measure. Campus officials later declared the area safe and closed the college for the remainder of the day. A college spokesperson emphasised that the safety of students, faculty, and staff remains their highest priority.
Community Reacts to Beloved Coach's Shooting
Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee released a powerful statement expressing her concern for the popular coach. "My thoughts are with Coach John Beam and his loved ones. We are praying for him," she wrote. The mayor described Beam as "a giant in Oakland — a mentor, an educator, and a lifeline for thousands of young people."
Beam retired last year after coaching the community college's football team for more than four decades, though he remained as athletic director. During his remarkable career, he coached 20 players who went on to play in the NFL and over 100 who played for Division 1 teams.
The coach gained national recognition through his appearance in the fifth and final season of Last Chance U in 2020. The documentary series followed his work leading the Laney Eagles team and highlighted both the team's successes and the socioeconomic challenges facing Oakland.
Beyond his football achievements, Beam was known for his dedication to inspiring students in all career paths. In a 2022 interview, he explained how he brought in former players who had become doctors, authors, police officers and firefighters to show students the diverse possibilities available to them.
The community now waits anxiously for updates on Beam's condition as the investigation into today's shocking incident continues.
