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Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis donated $1 million to Uvalde School District to fortify schools in the area after a shootout at Robb Elementary that killed 19 children and 2 adults. Davis was convinced to make the donation after speaking to former security guard Vann McElroy, who grew up in Uvalde.
McElroy, who was acquired by the franchise in the third round of the 1982 NFL draft, spoke to Davis about the situation at Uvalde. Davis asked how he could help and decided to donate to the Uvalde School District, according to Uvalde Leader-News.
Hal Harrell, superintendent of the Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District, thanked Davis and the Raiders for the donation and said the money would be used to “make our schools safer.”
“We thank Mr. Davis and the Raiders organization for this very generous gift. Vann is a lifelong friend and a big part of Uvalde,” said Harrell. “We will use this money wisely. This contribution should go a long way towards making our schools safer.”
The $1 million donation will reportedly be used to strengthen schools in the district, Chron said. The money will reportedly be used for “stronger doors, cameras, and more fences.”
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The Uvalde shooting has sparked a new debate about gun control in the United States
Davis’ donation comes less than a month after an 18-year-old gunman killed 19 children and 2 adults in a shooting at Robb Elementary School. The shooting has sparked renewed debate over gun laws in the United States. Senators announced a bipartisan arms deal on Sunday, though the deal still has to be voted on in the Senate.
McElroy spent nine of his ten seasons in the NFL with the Raiders. He made two Pro Bowls and won a Super Bowl with the team. McElroy grew up in Uvalde and attended Uvalde High School in the 1970s. He still lives in the area today.
A number of athletes have spoken out on gun laws in the wake of the Robb Elementary shooting. Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr delivered the most impassioned plea on the matter, urging lawmakers to take action. Superstar LeBron James from the Los Angeles Lakers also called for changes. Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow commented on the issue Tuesday, saying he believes it must be more difficult to acquire the types of guns used in mass shootings.
The Raiders are one of a few NFL teams to donate to Uvalde. The Dallas Cowboys and Houston Texans and the NFL Foundation helped support Uvalde after the shooting.