Dirk Nowitzki, Mark Cuban, Dallas sports figures react to shooting

Dirk Nowitzki and a number of other Dallas sports figures reacted to the police shootings.

It’s been a tumultuous and altogether heartbreaking week for American citizens, particularly for those of African American descent, those connected to law enforcement, and the residents of Dallas, Texas. In the span of 24 hours, two unarmed black men were killed by police officers, sparking widespread outrage and numerous protests calling for justice. To make matters worse, several Dallas officers and citizens were shot during a peaceful march on Thursday, and five of those officers have died from their injuries.

It’s the deadliest day for law enforcement since September 11th, and while people everywhere are weighing in on gun control, police brutality, and racial discord, a number of athletes, sports figures, and professional teams with ties to the Dallas area have taken to social media to express their reactions to the tragedies.

Dirk Nowitzki, Mavericks forward and the city’s biggest basketball star, posted a tweet Friday afternoon that reflected the general feelings of shock and disbelief many residents are feeling.

His team’s owner, Mark Cuban, also took to Twitter with the hashtag #DallasStrong.

Among the many other sports personalities chiming in online from the NFL were current Cowboys players Tony Romo, Ezekiel Elliott, Jack Crawford, Dak Prescott and Tyrone Crawford. And former Cowboy legends Emmitt Smith, Deion Sanders, Terrell Owens and the team’s official Twitter account itself.

Nowitzki’s NBA teammates Deron Williams and Justin Anderson also posted messages of support and prayer. Dallas native and professional golfer Jordan Spieth offered “strength to believe this violence will stop on all fronts,” and NHL star Tyler Seguin called news of the violence a “horrible” thing to wake up to before offering thoughts and prayers to the city of Dallas as a whole.

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