The University of Virginia held a press conference Tuesday, after three of the Cavaliers football players were shot to death Sunday night.
Football coach Tony Elliott said, “My heart is hurting right now. “I’m waiting for someone to pinch me and wake me up,
“I’ve had my moments where I’ve broken down. I’ve had those moments in front of the team. I think that’s important. It’s honorable we grieve these young men.”
"The message is we're going to celebrate their lives going forward and the impact they've made thus far." – Coach Tony Elliott pic.twitter.com/qRIX3wJu0r
— Virginia Cavaliers (@VirginiaSports) November 15, 2022
Elliott said the team is trying to find ways to celebrate the lives of linebacker D’Sean Perry, wide receiver Lavel “Tyler” Davis Jr., and Devin Chandler.
"I think it's important that we all grieve. These are outstanding young men, and we don't understand why they're gone." — Tony Elliott pic.twitter.com/allJza3Bem
— ACC Network (@accnetwork) November 15, 2022
Coach Tony Elliott shares his fondest memories of Lavel, D'Sean and Devin. pic.twitter.com/71B7f6v2UW
— Virginia Cavaliers (@VirginiaSports) November 15, 2022
Elliott sat alongside athletics director Carla Williams.
Each made a statement and then took questions from the media.
WATCH LIVE: University of Virginia Athletics holds press conference following deadly Sunday shooting.https://t.co/gCAixm6JFp pic.twitter.com/yGz4NGGMvi
— WTVR CBS 6 Richmond (@CBS6) November 15, 2022
The pair were unable to answer some questions because of the ongoing police investigation into the former walk-on who allegedly killed the players and wounded 2 others.
A fourth player, Mike Hollins, underwent a second surgical procedure Tuesday and is said to be doing well. The fifth victim’s identity has not been revealed.
The school is scheduled to play Coastal Carolina on Saturday. Coach Elliott and AD Williams said a decision will be made shortly on whether to go ahead with the game.
Elliott said his 9-year-old son sees the players on the team as his friends, and it’s been very difficult seeing him try to process this.
The coach focused on supporting him and sees the parallels between him and what the parents of the team members are going through.
“Every time I see him hurt, I think about the 125 guys that I’ve got, and that’s how their moms see them,” said Elliott, who was emotional at times during the press conference.
There are no words to describe this tremendous loss to our UVA Football family. Lavel, Devin, D’Sean – you will all be dearly missed and we will never forget the impact you had on our team and community. pic.twitter.com/xdiq9KCU17
— Virginia Football (@UVAFootball) November 15, 2022
My heart goes out to the families, friends and teammates of Devin Chandler, Lavel Davis Jr. and D’Sean Perry, three young men whose lives and promising futures were tragically taken from them. My prayers are with Coach Tony Elliott and the entire @UVAFootball family.
— Mike Tomlin (@CoachTomlin) November 15, 2022
