UVA Canceled Coastal Carolina Game After Tragic Shooting
UVA canceled the Coastal Carolina game scheduled for Saturday. The decision came following the tragic shooting that took place Sunday. This seems the only possible way to deal with such a terrible event. Understandably, none of the students, families or players are thinking about a football game in light of the devastating loss of life. Virginia players Lavel Davis, Jr., Devin Chandler and D’Sean Perry died Sunday night as a result of the shooting. And, according to a story in The State, Davis, a South Carolina native, was a former Woodland High School standout. The school is located 50 minutes northwest of Charleston. Devin Chandler, a former Huntersville resident, graduated Hough High School. His former coach called him a “joy to coach.”
The game was to be played Saturday at Scott Stadium. Furthermore, Virginia officials said a decision will be made concerning their final scheduled game next weekend against Virginia Tech. Coastal Carolina head coach Jamey Chadwell expressed sympathy after learning UVA canceled Coastal Carolina’s game.
He said, “Our program is heartbroken for the University of Virginia, the victims’ families, loved ones, friends and the entire community of Charlottesville. While our team was looking forward to competing against the University of Virginia, we support their decision not to play. Our program will continue to uplift their program, University and community in our prayers as they continue to navigate this difficult time. We all stand in solidarity with UVA.” Chadwell also had praise for Davis, with whom he was familiar during the recruitment process. He referred to him as a fantastic player and an exceptional young man. The game was to be the first in a three game series between the two universities. Virginia returns to CCU in 2024 for the matchup. Then, the schools return to Virginia for a scheduled game the following year.
Authorities took the shooting suspect, Chris Jones, Jr., a former Virginia football player, into custody Monday. Our thoughts and prayers certainly remain with all those who knew and loved the victims of this horrible crime.
