Tommy Lazzaro, a former Central Michigan quarterback and a sergeant in the United States Army, was tragically killed in a hunting accident over the weekend, according to officials. He was 27.
Lazzaro, who served with the 2nd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group, was shot by a stray bullet at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida on Sunday when he was driving to help another soldier who was experiencing car trouble, a spokesperson for 7th Special Forces Group told Task & Purpose.
A hunter shooting on the range fired the shot. According to the report, the Walton County Sheriff’s Office described the incident as a "tragic hunting accident."
"We deeply mourn the loss of U.S. Army Sgt. Thomas Lazzaro of the 2nd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne)," Col. Patrick Nelson, 7th SFG(A) commander, said in a statement to the news site.
"We will never forget his dedication, courage, and commitment to safeguarding our freedoms. His absence leaves a void that will be felt professionally and personally among those who had the honor of working with Thomas. Our heartfelt condolences extend to his family, friends, and comrades during this difficult time.
Central Michigan also released a statement mourning the loss of the former Chippewas quarterback.
"When we took over the program, Tommy was truly our leader in so many ways," former head coach Jim McElwain said in a statement provided by the school. "CMU Football was blessed to have him and will always remember him for all he did for many of us. He will be missed by all of the Chippewas."
Lazzaro played four years at Central Michigan, where he had five starts from 2016-2019. During the 2019 season, he led the Chippewas to a 6-2 record in conference play and bowl appearance. He finished his career at Central Michigan with 542 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns and 758 passing yards and five touchdowns.
According to Central Michigan, Lazzaro graduated with a degree in entrepreneurship in 2019 and joined the Army to follow in the footsteps of his father and grandfather.
Eagles coach Nick Sirianni said Friday that quarterback Jalen Hurts is still in concussion protocol, meaning Kenny Pickett will likely start against the Cowboys.
Capitals star Alex Ovechkin was a full participant in practice Friday and could return to the lineup Saturday night against the Maple Leafs after missing five weeks with a broken left leg.
Tulane running back Makhi Hughes, who rushed for 1,401 yards and scored 17 total touchdowns this season, has entered the transfer portal, sources told ESPN.
Tennessee running back Dylan Sampson, who set school single-season records for rushing yards and touchdowns this season, is foregoing his final season of eligibility and will enter the 2025 NFL draft, he announced on his Instagram account Friday.
Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Mookie Betts revealed what he really wanted to say to the Yankees fans who were trying to pry the ball out of his glove during Game 4 of the World Series.
"I would really say, ‘F--- you guys,’" Betts said after host Kevin Hart asked him what his message was to those fans during Peacock’s "Back That Year Up 2024" special.
"Try and get the ball, cool. But, like, you’re trying to grab my s---," Betts continued.
"I was in the moment, so I thought about throwing the ball up, and then I realized, ‘Mook, you ain’t gonna do s---. You ain’t gonna do s---, go back to right field!'"
During the first inning of the Yankees' 11-4 Game 4 win, Gleyber Torres hit a foul ball down the right field line. The ball tailed into the stands and Betts made a fantastic catch along the wall.
However, as Betts was coming off the wall, two fans tried to pry the ball out of Betts’ glove and rip the glove off his hand.
The umpire immediately called fan interference and ruled Torres out, while security rushed over to the area.
The fans were identified as Austin Capobianco and John Peter. The two fans were season ticket holders, and they had been preparing for a moment like what had happened with Betts.
"We always joke about the ball in our area," Capobianco told ESPN. "We’re not going to go out of our way to attack. If it’s in our area, we’re going to ‘D’ up."
"I know when I’m in the wrong and as soon as I did it, I was like, ‘Boys, I’m out of here,’ I patrol that wall, and they know that."
The fans were banned from attending Game 5 of the World Series because of the incident.
