Oakland police have confirmed the arrest of a suspect in the shooting of John Beam, the celebrated college football coach featured in the Netflix series 'Last Chance U'. The incident, which has sent shockwaves through the sports community, occurred on the campus of Laney College.
Community in Shock After Campus Attack
The shooting took place on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at Laney College in Oakland, California. Coach Beam, who currently serves as the college's Athletic Director, was shot and remains in a critical condition in hospital. This violent event marks the second shooting at an Oakland educational institution in just two days, following an incident at Skyline High School where a student was shot and is now in a stable condition.
Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee led the tributes, describing Beam as a 'giant' and a vital mentor who has been a lifeline for young people. 'For over 40 years, he has shaped leaders on and off the field, and our community is shaken alongside his family,' Lee stated.
NFL Stars and Colleagues Express Heartbreak
The news prompted an immediate outpouring of grief from those whose lives Beam has touched. Two of his former players, brothers Nahshon and Rejzohn Wright who now play in the NFL for the Chicago Bears and New Orleans Saints respectively, shared their heartbreak on social media.
Rejzohn Wright posted a photo of the coach with the caption, 'You mean the world to me,' while his brother Nahshon shared a picture of Beam accompanied by a broken heart emoji, succinctly capturing the devastation felt by many.
A Legacy of Leadership and Success
John Beam's influence on junior college football is immense. He joined Laney College in 2004 as a running backs coach and ascended to the role of head coach in 2012. Under his leadership, the Laney College Eagles won two league titles and were featured in the 2020 season of the Netflix docuseries 'Last Chance U', which focuses on athletes at junior colleges striving for redemption.
His biography on the college website notes an incredible legacy: 20 of his players have advanced to the NFL, a testament to his skill as an educator and mentor. A spokesperson for the Peralta Community College District, Mark Johnson, expressed the community's profound distress, saying they are 'stunned and heartbroken that such violence has touched our campus.'
The Oakland Police Department announced the arrest on Friday, November 14, 2025, though few other details about the suspect or the motive have been released as the investigation continues.
