A Word from Jay Jacobs

Dear Auburn Family,

I write with a heavy heart today, still trying to make sense out of a senseless act. My heart breaks for the families who are suffering unimaginable grief in the wake of an unspeakable tragedy.

Ever since the messenger of misery came Saturday evening, I have been asking many of the same questions that you may have been asking. How could this happen in Auburn, Alabama? Why did this happen?

I don't have answers to those questions. What I do know is there has been an incredible outpouring of love and support for the victims, their families and all who knew and loved them. Countless people from across the country have called to offer their condolences, sent notes and offered their prayers, and I want to thank them from the bottom of my heart.

As the steward of the Auburn Athletics Department, I want to assure you that we are doing everything that we possibly can for the well-being of our football team and all of our student-athletes. Our staff has been working with each coach to make sure all of our student-athletes have an opportunity to meet with professional counselors. Caring for them has been and will continue to be our top priority.

This is an extraordinarily difficult time for the entire Auburn Family, but we will pull together. We will grieve together, and we will eventually heal together.

I know that you will join me in continuing to lift up the families of all the victims, our student-athletes, and our coaches in your thoughts and prayers.

Thank you for your prayers and support.

God Bless and War Eagle,

Jay Jacobs
Director of Athletics