Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
Lakers guard Wayne Ellington takes leave of absence following father's death
PHOENIX, AZ - OCTOBER 29: Wayne Ellington of the Los Angeles Lakers during the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center on October 29, 2014 in Phoenix, Arizona. Ellington took a leave of absence Tuesday following his father's death in Philadelphia.
(
Christian Petersen/Getty Images
)
Lakers guard Wayne Ellington will be taking an indefinite leave of absence following the murder of his father in Philadelphia this past Sunday, according to a statement from the team. It is not clear when he will rejoin the team.
"Our players are upset for their friend and teammate," Lakers General Manager Mitch Kupchak said in Tuesday's statement.
"Additionally, ownership and all Lakers employees are also saddened by this tragedy. Those of us who work with and have gotten to know Wayne have come to know what a wonderful and caring person he is. Our hearts go out to Wayne and his family, as do our thoughts and prayers."
The Philadelphia Daily News reported Tuesday that Wayne Ellington's father, who shared the same name as his son, was found inside his vehicle with a gunshot wound to the head. He later died at an area hospital. Police said they had neither motive nor suspects in the killing.
Support for LAist comes from
Lakers Coach Byron Scott provided words of support to his player via the team's Twitter account.
Byron: “It’s real life stuff. It just puts everything in perspective. Wayne will be on our mind.“
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) November 11, 2014
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
Censorship has long been controversial. But lately, the issue of who does and doesn’t have the right to restrict kids’ access to books has been heating up across the country in the so-called culture wars. -
With less to prove than LA, the city is becoming a center of impressive culinary creativity.
-
Nearly 470 sections of guardrailing were stolen in the last fiscal year in L.A. and Ventura counties.
-
Monarch butterflies are on a path to extinction, but there is a way to support them — and maybe see them in your own yard — by planting milkweed.
-
With California voters facing a decision on redistricting this November, Surf City is poised to join the brewing battle over Congressional voting districts.
-
The drug dealer, the last of five defendants to plead guilty to federal charges linked to the 'Friends' actor’s death, will face a maximum sentence of 65 years in prison.
Best of LAist