Deion Sanders, head coach for the Jackson State University football team, has forbidden his players from exiting their Houston hotel after the rapper Takeoff was shot dead in the city.
Takeoff, who was a member of the rap group Migos, was attending a private party at a Houston, Texas-based bowling alley. In the early hours of the morning, the 28-year-old was fatally shot three times outside of the establishment; twice in the torso and once in the head. Alongside Takeoff, two other patrons sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
“This morning at 2:34 a.m. officers received a call of a shooting in progress. Officers arrived there shortly thereafter — a downtown location, Billiards & Bowling Alley,” Houston Police Chief Troy Finner confirmed in a press conference the following day. “They came upon a male who was deceased. That male has been identified as Kirsnick Ball, better known as Takeoff. He’s a member of the Migos rap group, out of Atlanta.”
Finner added the sentiments, “I got many calls from Houston and outside of Houston. And everyone spoke of what a great young man this is, how peaceful he is. What a great artist.”
Deion Sanders addresses the Jackson State University football team following the death of Takeoff
After the incident occurred, Sanders vocalized his disdain to his entire team, who were in the city for a game against Texas Southern at PNC Stadium. The stadium was approximately one mile from where the shooting happened. At the time, Sanders shared that family and friends were only able to visit the football players at the hotel they were staying at.
“I’m just sick and tired of the consistency of people that are influential to you are leaving us consistently: That’s our rappers,” the former NFL player said to his team. “Takeoff was murdered in a dice game in Houston, where we’re going. So that eliminates all of y’all leaving that hotel. Because it ain’t happening until I give you further notice.”
In addition, Sanders expressed his sympathies to the rapper involved in the shooting and the two patrons that suffered injuries.
“I don’t want you all playing that foolish game because you all are valuable to your families, friends, loved ones, and you’re valuable to us,” the former NFL player relayed to the Jackson State University football team. “Let’s think about that. Let’s pray for the families.”
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