John Beam, coach of 'Last Chance U' fame, 'gravely wounded' in shooting at Oakland college
NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...
John Beam, a junior college football coach who gained fame in the final season of Netflix's "Last Chance U," was shot Thursday according to KTVU and the New York Times. The Times described his condition as "gravely wounded."
The shooting reportedly occurred at the football facility on the campus of Laney College, where Beam worked as head coach since 2012 before stepping down in 2024. He remains the school's athletic director.
An Oakland Police Department official reportedly said the suspect fled the scene and described him as "a male; unknown race, wearing all dark clothing and a black hoodie."
The Peralta Community College District initially sent out an emergency alert saying an active shooter was on campus, but later clarified only one person was shot. A subsequent statement did not directly identify Beam, describing him only as a senior member of the athletic staff, but said he had been transported to the hospital.
From KTVU:
"A senior member of our athletic staff was shot on campus in the Laney Field House. The individual was immediately transported to a local hospital, and we are keeping them — and their loved ones — in our hearts during this incredibly difficult time. Out of respect for their privacy, we are not releasing their name at this moment," the college said.
Beam is a well-known figure in the Bay Area football community, and his efforts were documented on "Last Chance U" in 2020. Unlike other seasons of the show, Beam was portrayed as an empathetic coach relentlessly dedicated to his players, and one who got results. Before Laney, he recorded a 160-33-3 record as football coach at Skyline High School.
Between the two jobs, Beam has seen over 20 players reach the NFL. In an eerie coincidence, a student was reportedly shot at Skyline less than 24 hours earlier.
Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee released a statement and said that police were still investigating, via the Times:
“I am heartbroken by today’s shooting at Laney College — the second shooting on an Oakland campus in one week,” Ms. Lee said. “We must continue confronting the ongoing gun violence crisis that is robbing our community of safety and stealing futures."
More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos