Northwestern State has canceled the remainder of its football season and head coach Brad Laird has resigned, it was announced Thursday. Both moves are the result of the tragic death of Demons football player Ronnie Caldwell, a junior safety who perished in a shooting on Oct. 12.
“Ronnie was a beloved member of our community, and we miss him dearly,” said President 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.”
“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.”
Caldwell was injured at the time of his shooting, but remained active with the team in a coaching capacity. His death is still under investigation by the Natchitoches (La.) Police Department. Maurice Campbell II, also a Demons football player, was arrested Oct. 20 for obstruction of justice, possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute and possession of a firearm in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance.
Northwestern State canceled its Oct. 14 game at Nicholls immediately following the shooting. The Demons returned to the field to host Southeastern Louisiana last Thursday; the game resulted in a 37-20 loss. NSU will end its season at 0-6. The Demons were set to visit McNeese on Saturday.
Laird was in his sixth season atop the program. He exits the school with a record of 16-41.
The decision means this is the second straight college football season a team has ended its season due to the shooting death of a player or players. Last season, Virginia canceled its final two games after Cavaliers players D’Sean Perry, Lavel Davis Jr. and Devin Chandler were victims of a fatal shooting.
“We appreciate Coach Laird’s long-term investment in Northwestern State football. From his undergraduate time as a record-setting quarterback to his year spent overseeing the university’s alumni office to coaching, he has been a vital member of the team,” said Kevin Bostian, NSU’s athletic director. “While we are disappointed not to be able to finish the season, we are confident that better days lie ahead for Northwestern State football.”
Assistant head coach and defensive coordinator Weston Glaser will serve as interim head coach.
As always, stay tuned to The Scoop for the latest.