Lakers President of Basketball Operations Magic Johnson before last night's game against the Kings in Las Vegas at T-Mobile Arena asked fans if they could "just lock arms with somebody" in a way to "show that evil and hate will never win," according to Gordon & Ferguson of the LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL. Players, coaches, fans, ushers and other arena staffers "did just that" for 30 seconds. The 12,594 in attendance "stood still." Gordon & Ferguson note it was a "decidedly pro-Lakers crowd." Proceeds from the game went "directly to relief efforts for families of the 58 victims" of last week's mass shooting. First responders and family victims "were honored." Players from both teams and fans throughout the arena "wore black T-shirts emblazoned with #VegasStrong and the Las Vegas Skyline" (LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL, 10/9). In California, Bill Oram writes the game was an "exercise in catharsis" for the people of Las Vegas (ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER, 10/9). In Las Vegas, Michael Gehlken noted all 46 Raiders players in uniform yesterday during the team's game against the Ravens "wore a helmet decal that read 'Vegas Strong.'" The lettering "resembled that of the iconic 'Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas' sign," and "overlapped with a concentric heart logo" (LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL, 10/9).
ALDEAN TURNS DOWN UFC: In Las Vegas, Adam Hill noted UFC President Dana White was "furious" that country music singer Jason Aldean "turned down the opportunity to participate in the UFC’s ceremony honoring victims and first responders on Saturday night at T-Mobile Arena." Aldean instead appeared on "SNL." White said, "(Expletive) you, Jason Aldean. And stay out of Vegas, (expletive)." But Aldean "came back to Las Vegas" yesterday and "went to University Medical Center" to visit shooting victims. In a Facebook post, the hospital said Aldean "spent time with our patients who were critically injured" (LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL, 10/9).
