Several intense and destructive forest fires are raging in Southern California, powered by the powerful Santa Ana winds. The evacuation orders, which affect parts of the Los Angeles area, have killed 10 people and damaged or destroyed nearly 10,000 structures.
Of course, the fires also affect athletes and sporting events throughout the city.
NFL moves Rams-Vikings wild card game to Arizona
The NFL playoffs begin with the wild-card round this weekend, and the Los Angeles Rams are scheduled to host the Minnesota Vikings on Monday night. But the league announced Thursday that the game will now be played at the Arizona Cardinals stadium.
SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles is located in Inglewood, about 10 miles southeast of where the Palisades Fire is burning. The NFL said Thursday the decision was made “in consultation with public officials, participating clubs and the NFLPA.” The game will still take place Monday evening at 8 p.m. ET.
The league originally planned to play the game as scheduled, but created a contingency plan due to the rapidly evolving fires in the Los Angeles area.
Earlier Thursday, Rams head coach Sean McVay had said he was expecting the match which will be played at SoFi Stadium.
However, smoke could be seen Thursday from the Rams’ practice facility in Woodland Hills, north of the Palisades fire.
The cardinals provided jets to transport Rams players and their families (and pets) in Arizona on Friday. The Rams also have reserved buses to transport fans to Arizona for the game.
On Friday, the NFL announced a $5 million donation toward relief efforts, including contributions from the Chargers, Rams, Vikings, Texans and the NFL Foundation.
USWNT moves January camp to Florida following fires
The United States women’s national team was scheduled to hold its January camp in Los Angeles next week. The dual-purpose camp, which does not include any exhibition matches, will feature 26 players who will train with the USWNT team and an additional 24 U-23 players who will train with the organization as part of a “camp of the future”.
However, on Friday, US Soccer announcement that the camps will be away from the Los Angeles area and will take place in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. The two simultaneous camps were originally scheduled to start on January 14, but the start date was pushed back to January 17.
The total 50 USWNT players will train at the Inter Miami CF training center from January 17-23. The USMNT is currently training there in preparation for the friendly against Venezuela on January 18, but, according to US Soccer, the women’s camp will begin while the men’s camp ends.
Lakers and Kings games postponed
The Lakers were scheduled to begin a four-game homestand against the Charlotte Hornets on Thursday, but that the match was postponed due to forest fires. It will be reconstituted later. The Lakers’ next game is scheduled for Saturday against the San Antonio Spurs.
“The entire NBA family sends our thoughts and support to the Los Angeles community during this difficult time,” read a statement from the NBA. “We are grateful to the thousands of local firefighters and first responders who showed immense courage. Our prayers are with those affected by the unimaginable devastation caused by the wildfires.
According to Shams Charania of ESPNLakers coach JJ Redick, who lives in Palisades, lost his home in the fires. On Tuesday, Redick said his family had to evacuate their home due to the fire and smoke. Redick and the Lakers were not in Los Angeles at the time, but in Texas for a game against the Dallas Mavericks.
“I just want to thank and send thoughts and prayers to everyone in the Palisades right now,” » Redick said. “This is where I live.
“Our family, my wife’s family, my wife’s twin sister, have been evacuated. I know a lot of people are panicking right now, including my family. From the sound of things, with the winds coming (Tuesday evening), I know a lot of people are scared so I just want to acknowledge that, with my thoughts and prayers, and hope everyone stays safe.
Wednesday, the fires prompted Kings to postpone that night’s home game against the Calgary Flames.
“Tonight’s game against Calgary has been postponed,” read a Kings press release. “Our hearts go out to the entire Los Angeles community. We appreciate the first responders who are working diligently to contain the fire and protect our community. »
They share Crypto.com Arena with the Lakers as their home arena. The Clippers are expected to return from a road trip to host the Hornets on Saturday at their new arena in Inglewood.
Loaders collect supplies, money for disaster relief and pet rescue
THE Chargers announced Wednesday They are donating $200,000 to several organizations to support firefighting and recovery efforts, including the American Red Cross, the LA Fire Department Foundation, Team Rubicon and several fire rescue organizations. “pets sheltering animals displaced by fires”.
The Chargers are also asking those who can to bring supplies to fan events scheduled before their playoff game on Saturday. The Chargers visit the Houston Texans in the wild-card round.
Kawhi Leonard moves away from the Clippers
Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard walked away from the team on Wednesday being with his family who were affected and evacuated due to the fires.
We do not yet know any further details about his situation. The Clippers are scheduled to face the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena in Denver on Wednesday night. They will return home for Saturday’s game against the Hornets.
Leonard has only played two games for the Clippers this season. He made his debut last week after a long-term knee injury sidelined him this summer and the first part of the season. It is unclear how long Leonard will be away from the Clippers.
Steve Kerr’s family also affected
Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr was also affected by the fires. His 90-year-old mother lives in Pacific Palisades and had to evacuate her home. Kerr said Thursday that his childhood home burned down, as did his high school. Kerr also told reporters that it appears Draymond Green’s house in the area has survived.
“I want to send my thoughts and condolences to everyone who is dealing with the fires in Los Angeles,” Kerr said after the Warriors’ 114-98 loss to the Miami Heat on Tuesday. “My mother lives in Pacific Palisades. She had to evacuate.
“Everything I’m seeing and reading is just terrifying what’s going on out there,” Kerr said, “so I just want to send thoughts to everyone who’s going through the devastation of the fire.” Obviously, gaming is secondary to this and many things in life. Perspective is important.
Kerr also said Everett Dayton, who works for the Warriors in their player development department, grew up in Palisades and lost his childhood home.