Celtics wear jersey patches to honor victims of Maine mass shooting, one day after social media post sparks backlash
The Boston Celtics hosted their season opener Friday, but before tipoff, the team recognized the victims of this week’s mass shooting in Maine.
Before their home opener, Celtics players wore warmups for their NBA G League affiliate, the Maine Celtics. During the game, players wore a band on their jerseys honoring the state as it recovered after a shooter killed 18 people and injured 13 others at a bowling alley and bar.
The word “Maine” was displayed on the jersey band.
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The Boston Celtics observe a moment of silence for victims of the shooting in Lewiston, Maine, before the team’s NBA basketball game against the Miami Heat, Friday, Oct. 27, 2023, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
Fans also observed a moment of silence before the game as a green and white image of the state outline was displayed on the jumbotron.
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The Celtics’ acknowledgment comes two days after the team faced significant criticism following a social media post that appeared in response to the mass shooting.
According to screenshots that have circulated on social media, the Celtics posted a message on X, the company formerly known as Twitter, offering the organization’s “thoughts” to the city of Lewiston.
Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics walks through his teammates during team introductions before the game against the Miami Heat at TD Garden on October 27, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Maddie Schroeder/Getty Images)
The apparent post also featured a photo of All-Star forward Jayson Tatum and the final score from Wednesday’s game against the New York Knicks.
The message no longer appears on the Celtics’ social media feeds as of Thursday.
Another post on the team’s social media page shares the same message without the graphic in question.
The Celtics improved to 2-0 on the season after a 119-111 victory over the Miami Heat on Friday night.
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Boston is off Saturday and Sunday, but is expected to return to action Monday for a game against the Washington Wizards.
The Associated Press and Paulina Dedaj of Fox News contributed to this report.
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