Longtime JUCO coach, 'Last Chance U' star John Beam shot on campus

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Laney College athletic director John Beam, a prominent figure on Netflix’s “Last Chance U” series, was shot on the school’s campus in Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, Nov. 13.

Beam is in critical condition, according to multiple reports. The Oakland Police Department said it was investigating the shooting, which occurred before noon at the Laney College Fieldhouse.

It’s the second shooting on an Oakland campus in two days, after a student was shot and injured at Skyline High School on Nov. 12.

Beam was featured on season five of “Last Chance U,” a popular series about college football at the junior college level, focusing on players aiming to turn around their careers. He was the head coach of the team from 2012-24.

Oakland mayor Barbara Lee issued a statement after the shootings.

“My thoughts are with Coach John Beam and his loved ones. We are praying for him,” Lee wrote. “Coach Beam is a giant in Oakland — a mentor, an educator, and a lifeline for thousands of young people. For over 40 years, he has shaped leaders on and off the field, and our community is shaken alongside his family.”

The Peralta Community College District also released a statement, which didn’t name Beam.

“This is a frightening moment for our community. We encourage everyone to follow official instructions and rely only on verified communications from the District and law enforcement.”

The college was placed on lockdown, with the campus closed the remainder of Nov. 13. The campus re-opened Nov. 14.

Beam produced 20 NFL players during his tenure as head coach at Laney College, according to his bio. He also sent over 100 players to the Division I level.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: ‘Last Chance U’ star John Beam shot at Laney College in Oakland

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