NFL’s J.J. Watt says he’ll pay for Santa Fe victim funerals
Houston Texans star defensive end J.J. Watt told officials at Santa Fe High School that he will pay funeral costs for the victims of Friday’s mass shooting, according to multiple reports.
A 17-year-old student killed 10 people, mostly students, in Friday’s shooting about 30 miles outside Houston, before surrendering to officers, officials said. Ten more were wounded.
Watt, among the most prominent professional athletes in Houston, tweeted a two-word response to the carnage: “Absolutely horrific.” But his response went beyond a tweet, with reports late Friday that he would pay for the victims’ funerals. The team confirmed Watt’s intention, according to ESPN and other outlets.
The Texans also released a statement after Friday’s shooting, offering “our thoughts and heartfelt condolences to the victims, their families and all those affected.”
Other Houston athletes also weighed in on the tragedy, in what’s become a numbingly familiar routine.
“We need to do better by our children,” wrote Rockets star guard Chris Paul, who told reporters that his team’s NBA playoff series against the Golden State Warriors “is minor compared to what is taking place down in Santa Fe.” The family of Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta released a statement, which read in part, “There are no words that we can say that will take the sadness of this day away or provide any deeper understanding for this senseless tragedy. These children and the teacher that were lost, their families and the entire Santa Fe Community will remain heavy on our hearts and deep within our prayers today and in the days ahead.” Guard Eric Gordon called it “a horrible act of violence.”
Warriors coach Steve Kerr, who has been outspoken in his calls for gun control, tweeted Friday that “gun owners have a responsibility to store their firearms securely.” The two guns used in Friday’s shooting belong to the gunman’s father, according to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott.
The Astros held a moment of silence before Friday night’s game and flew the Texas state flags at half-staff, while Astros manager A.J. Hinch offered an impassioned speech on the issue of school shootings, telling reporters he “doesn’t want to offer any more condolences” and that the rash of violence “makes me angry.”