Orlando Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley delivered an emotional message Thursday, turning the spotlight away from basketball and toward the tragic shooting at Florida State University, where two people were killed and six others injured.
Speaking ahead of the Magic’s playoff clash against the Boston Celtics on Sunday, Mosley opened his media availability with a heartfelt statement, putting the playoff hype on pause.
“This is the opportunity right now to talk about putting things in perspective,” Mosley said. “What’s going on at Florida State … I just want to send thoughts, prayers that things are handled speedily and that we can just continue to pray for those that have been impacted by this.”
“Lives are more important, and human beings are more important, than a basketball game or a playoff series at any given time.”
Orlando forward Jonathan Isaac, a former Florida State Seminole, was visibly shaken upon hearing the news during practice.
“My mind is kind of all over the place,” Isaac said. “It’s tragic and I’m sad about it. I’m sad about anything that happens like this anywhere, but for it to happen at Florida State takes a toll, means a lot.”
Known for his strong faith, Isaac reflected,
“The Bible says to grieve with those who grieve, mourn with those who mourn. We’ve got to get through this. It’s hard. It’s difficult.”
Though the discussion eventually shifted to basketball matters and preparations for facing the defending champions, the tone remained somber.
“It’s about coming together,” Mosley emphasized. “It’s about finding the human being in everything we do… We play a game of basketball — but I think the faster we can understand about coming together as human beings, the better things can be.”
As Game 1 looms, the Magic’s focus has expanded beyond the court — reminding fans and athletes alike of what truly matters.