Northwestern State released a statement Thursday announcing their college football team was canceling the rest of their season following a player’s death that legal authorities consider a homicide. Ronnie Caldwell, a junior safety from Austin, TX, was killed on Oct. 12.
College Football: Northwestern State canceled the season
Per the statement, Northwestern State’s head coach, Brad Laird, resigned from the program:
“Ronnie [Caldwell] was a beloved member of our community, and we miss him dearly,” said NSU President Dr. Marcus Jones.
“While our instinct was to return to the field of play following his death, we’ve since learned that the hurt on our team was too deep. Now it is in the best interest of our players, coaches, and staff to pause and to take this time to mourn, to heal, and to support Ronnie’s family.”
The school has also accepted the resignation of head coach, Brad Laird, who was in his sixth season as head coach of the Demons football team.
“Due to the loss of Ronnie and the emotional burden it has caused me, I don’t feel I can give my all to these players or this program,” Laird said.
“Any coach will tell you that their players become like family, so the loss of Ronnie was like losing a son. I love this program and this university and I know it will persevere and move forward with the competitive spirit that is at the core of our DNA.”
Per multiple reports, Caldwell was the victim of multiple gunshot wounds on Oct. 12. The gunshot wounds were ruled as the cause of death.
No arrests have been made for the murder, but two arrests have been made in connection to Caldwell’s death. One of the arrests included an NSU football player. Maurice Campbell II.
Northwestern State finished the season with an 0-6 record. They were 0-2 in the Southland Conference. Northwestern State canceled their Oct. 14 game following Caldwell’s death.
Northwestern State played their next scheduled game on Oct. 19, a 37-20 loss to Southeastern Louisiana. They had four more games scheduled for the season.
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