The Miami Heat held a moment of silence prior to Saturday’s game against the Wizards to recognize those who were murdered in Friday’s massacre in Newtown, Conn., and they added a personal touch.
Many of the Heat players were joined by their children for the moment of silence as a way to show how personally connected they felt to the tragedy.
“Very emotional time,” LeBron James said after the game. “(Dwyane) Wade brought [the idea] up. We all thought it would be the best thing to do. Not taking anything for granted, knowing that we have our family still. Very emotional time and to have our kids out there was great.”
“The team is very close, and we all have kids. So everyone’s affected by it,” added Wade.
James told reporters before the game that a horrific event like that places life in perspective.
“Basketball, this is nothing,” James said. “These games are nothing compared to when you have a tragedy like that. It sucks that sometimes you need a tragedy to put things back in perspective, to appreciate what you have. But it does that to people. It’s unfortunate that you have to have something like that to understand what’s really important and some things that aren’t important at all. Family is the No. 1 important thing in life.”
Wade and James, who are the team’s leaders and among the most visible stars in the NBA, actively tweeted about the massacre on Friday:
Prayers….for the families, teachers, community…all involved….praying 4 peace for the children who were witnesses.
— Way of WADE (@DwyaneWade) December 14, 2012
Just saw my boys walk in from school. Hugged them tight. Can’t imagine the loss 4 families in newtown.We’re supposed 2 PROTECT our kids!!
— Way of WADE (@DwyaneWade) December 14, 2012
Thinking of first responders who are dealing with the scene of the crime….
— Way of WADE (@DwyaneWade) December 14, 2012
James even seemed to call for change.
WTH!! Once again our country is going through another horrific tragedy. Prayers goes out to all the families in Connecticut. I’m sick!
— LeBron James (@KingJames) December 14, 2012
Like what makes someone wanna do that. C’mon now! DAMN IT. Innocent victims just gone
— LeBron James (@KingJames) December 14, 2012
This is really messing with my mind. Kids is everything to me! And of course i have 2 of my own in elementary school as well. I can’t….
— LeBron James (@KingJames) December 14, 2012
imagine it happening to my kids school. I and the rest of the families would be devastated! Something has to be done. Land of the free, BS!
— LeBron James (@KingJames) December 14, 2012
Like Kevin Durant, James also inscribed a few messages on his shoes that paid tribute to Newtown.
Video via Cork Gaines/Business Insider
