Thursday, January 20, 2011

Arizona-Stanford Postponed Following Gabrielle Giffords Shooting

In the wake of a mass shooting that wounded Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and killed six people, Saturday's scheduled Pac-10 matchup between Arizona and Stanford was postponed until Sunday at 12:30 p.m. MT (2:30 p.m. ET)

"The University feels the game should be delayed with deep respect to the victims and families impacted by this tragedy," Arizona athletics director Greg Byrne said in a statement released by Arizona at 2 p.m. local time.

Byrne made a brief media statement later in the afternoon, reiterating that University police, who would normally be providing game security, were needed elsewhere "to focus on the issues at hand." He also lauded Stanford officials for "fully cooperating" in rescheduling the game.

"We know that sports often brings people together and we're looking forward to providing that opportunity tomorrow as a community," Byrne said.

The incident at a Tucson shopping center critically injured Giffords, killed six, including a federal judge and a 9-year-old bystander, and wounded 12 others.

Byrne read a statement from Wildcats coach Sean Miller.

"Basketball should be the last thing on anyone's mind right now. Our thoughts are with the families in our community touched by this tragedy. As a husband, father and member of the community, today's events have affected me deeply."

The game will be televised live on Fox Sports Arizona.

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