NBA Stars Offer Condolences to Oklahoma City Tornado Victims on Twitter
A tornado that ripped through Oklahoma City Monday afternoon has the sports world—and the NBA especially—offering condolences and soliciting help in any way possible.
At least 51 people, including seven children at an elementary school, were killed in the tornado, while countless others were injured, houses were destroyed and thousands are without power as the cleanup efforts begin.
The National Weather Service warned that the tornado was so large that there was a possibility that it couldn't even be classified as a twister.
The Oklahoma City Thunder are the only professional sport in the city, but athletes everywhere, along with countless NBA players, showed support for the people in Oklahoma City.
An official release from the NBA was posted earlier today, offering condolences and asking people to help support the areas impacted:
"The NBA Family's thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families following the massive destruction of the tornadoes that swept through the Midwest.Please join us in support of the American Red Cross to help provide much needed aid and supplies to areas hardest hit.
Donations can be made at www.redcross.org or text REDCROSS to 90999.
"
Kevin Durant tweeted for the first time since the beginning of the month in order to send a message to the people in Oklahoma City.
"Praying for the victims of the Tornadoes in OKC these last few days..Everybody stay safe!
— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) May 20, 2013"
And like countless others, he tweeted out the information that really matters; how you can donate money.
"— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) May 21, 2013"
A ton of the other Thunder players sent out similar messages as well.
"🙏 Thoughts and Prayers to all affected by the tornado today.
— Thabo Sefolosha (@ThaboSefolosha) May 20, 2013"
"Again, pray for OKC... Everybody stay safe!
— Serge Ibaka (@sergeibaka9) May 20, 2013"
"THANKS FOR CHECKIN ON ME ERRBODY.. I/THE FAM SAFE FROM THE SEVERE WEATHER & TORNADOES THAT STRUCK OKC.. PRAYERS FOR THOSE WHO ARE AFFECTED.
— Hasheem Thabeet (@HasheemTheDream) May 21, 2013"
"
Please pray for the people in OKC. A lot of families lives changed from the tornados aftermath. 🙏☝
— Ronnie Brewer (@RonnieBrewerJr) May 20, 2013"
Perhaps coolest of all, Kendrick Perkins announced that he and his wife would be delivering supplies and taking donations all day Tuesday.
"@kendrickperkins Team Perkins will be there with a truck load of supplies! So thankful to have you & @vanityhearts5 here in OK!!
"
"— Ms. Wellington OKC (@MsWellingtonOKC) May 21, 2013"
Players all over the league echoed the sentiment that rang through the ranks of the Oklahoma City squad.
"Just heard about news in okc, praying for the best for all those there...
— Andre Iguodala (@andre) May 21, 2013"
"I hate to hear what happen in OKC.... Wishing the best for you.... I'm pretty sure big homie @kdtrey5 is taking care of y'all
— Jared Sullinger (@Jared_Sully0) May 21, 2013"
"Praying for everyone in Oklahoma City. This is crazy!
— James Harden (@JHarden13) May 20, 2013"
"Pray for OKC this is a tragedy instagram.com/p/ZjDLXQojql/
— Deron Williams (@DeronWilliams) May 20, 2013"
Kobe Bryant reiterated what seems most important at this point. Text the Red Cross in order to make donations to support the victims.
"Thoughts and prayers Text “REDCROSS” to 90999 for $10 donation to help tornado victims in #OKC #okwx
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) May 21, 2013"
Actions speak louder than words.
