The Coach Down: Gun Violence Strikes Laney’s John Beam

The Unthinkable Violence: Shooting on Campus

The heart of the Laney College community and the entire city of Oakland are reeling in shock and disbelief following the terrifying shooting that wounded beloved Athletic Director and former head football coach John Beam. The incident occurred just before noon on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at the Laney Fieldhouse, a place meant for athletic pursuit and mentorship. John Beam, known nationally for his appearance on the Netflix docuseries Last Chance U, was transported to the hospital, and while his condition is currently unknown, the fact that a figure of his stature could be targeted or caught in such violence on campus is devastating. This shooting marks the second on an Oakland campus in a single week, underscoring a crisis of gun violence that is brutally robbing the community of its safety and peace.

The Mentor’s Legacy: More Than a Coach

John Beam is not just an athletic director; he is a local legend whose 45-year career has been dedicated to shaping young lives. Throughout his time at Laney College and previously at Skyline High School, Coach Beam’s commitment extended far beyond the football field. He boasted an incredible 90% graduation and transfer rate, emphasizing education and mentorship over mere athletics. He built his program on the philosophy of “Laney Built,” instilling discipline, hope, and opportunity in countless student-athletes, helping many achieve success at every level of football and in life. To see a mentor of his profound impact targeted, or caught in the crossfire of, such violence, is an agonizing contradiction. His legacy is one of unwavering dedication to the community, making this attack on him feel like an attack on the hope he represents.

A Call to Unity: Fighting the Crisis

As police investigate the shooting, which they have classified as isolated (meaning there is no ongoing active shooter threat), the focus of the Oakland community must be two-fold: supporting Coach Beam’s recovery and confronting the relentless crisis of gun violence. The entire Peralta Community College District sent out emergency alerts, underscoring the fear that permeates educational spaces. The most meaningful tribute the community can offer to Coach Beam is to rally around his core values: resilience, education, and community strength. This tragic incident must be the ultimate catalyst for change, ensuring that the fields and halls where he dedicated his life to teaching futures are safe once more.