Northwestern State’s FCS Demons announced in a press release on Thursday that they are canceling the rest of its football season in light of the death of safety Ronnie Caldwell. Caldwell, 21, was shot and killed in Natchitoches, La., on Oct. 12.
The team, who competes in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision and is a member of the Southland Conference, also announced the resignation of coach Brad Laird. Laird said in the statement: “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. 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.”
In the aftermath of Caldwell’s death, Northwestern State immediately canceled its Oct. 14 game against Nicholls, later returning to action on Oct. 19 with a 37-20 loss to Southeastern Louisiana. Northwestern University president Marcus Jones said: “Ronnie was a beloved member of our community, and we miss him dearly. 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.”
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