The Columbus Dispatch

No players injured in Barcelona attack

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Men’s basketball teams from several U.S. universiti­es, including Oregon State, Clemson and Arizona, were in Barcelona, Spain, when a van drove into pedestrian­s Thursday in a historic district popular with tourists but school officials said the players and staff were safe.

Oregon State coach Wayne Tinkle posted a somber video to social media that conveyed the gravity of what had taken place just outside the Beavers’ team hotel. Players were sharing a meal before an exhibition game when the incident occurred, about 5 p.m. local time, he said.

“People, mad scramble, a car/van driving through,” Tinkle said. “Literally looking out the window, we won’t show you the pictures, but some horrific sights.”

Spanish police have confirmed they are investigat­ing the bloodshed in the historic Las Ramblas district as a terror attack. The area is a popular summer tourist spot and several of the teams were staying in the area.

Oregon State was staying in the same hotel as Clemson, which had been scheduled to play Thursday night against a Spanish All-Star team. Clemson coach Brad Brownell confirmed in a text to The Associated Press that everyone was well.

“We are fine. Thankful to be safe and together,” Brownell wrote.

Clemson officials said in a statement: “We’ve been in contact with our men’s basketball program currently in Barcelona and the entire travel party is safe and secure. Their exhibition game for tonight has been cancelled and the team will return to Clemson as previously scheduled tomorrow morning. Our thoughts are with the people of Barcelona.”

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