Fatal shooting leaves Michigan State athletics in ‘fluid situation’

Michigan State athletic director Alan Haller spent Tuesday focused on the mental health and well-being of Spartans athletes in the immediate aftermath of a Monday night on-campus shooting that killed three and injured five.

But the school also is beginning the process of planning for its athletic teams to return to competition.

The Spartans’ men’s basketball team had its scheduled Wednesday game against Minnesota postponed in the immediate aftermath of the shooting. No makeup date has been announced.

As of Tuesday evening, the school had not postponed any scheduled events past Wednesday.

That means the men’s basketball team is currently slated to return to the floor Saturday against Michigan, although a school release cautioned that “this is a fluid situation and information is subject to change.”

Any reschedule date for Michigan State-Minnesota “would be announced at a later date,” according to the release. The Michigan State women’s basketball team and men’s tennis teams also had Wednesday competitions canceled.

Michigan State canceled all classes through the end of the week and the campus was closed on Tuesday.

“We are all devastated following the tragic events of Monday night,” Haller said in a statement. “First and foremost, our heart breaks for the families and loved ones of the students who were taken from us much too soon. And our prayers are with those still fighting for their lives in the hospital.

“The focus for the athletic department today has been the mental health and wellness of our student-athletes and staff. All across campus, different units are doing the same to make sure everyone is getting the resources they need. Please reach out if you’re in need of assistance and look for ways to support and help your fellow Spartan. I’ve been reminded today that everyone will process trauma in a different manner.

“To everyone who has reached out in support of our community, I offer my sincere gratitude. The outpouring of support from across the Big Ten Conference and the country has been overwhelming. It’s clear that although we may compete on the court, we are truly united by our shared humanity.

“At some point in the days ahead, we will return to the field of competition. For some, the games will provide a momentary escape from our shattered reality, but we must never lose sight that life has been irrevocably altered for us all. Our commitment to look after one another has never been more necessary.”