Sha’Carri Richardson Joins Sports World in Mourning Shaquille O’Neal’s Former Teammate and LSU Legend’s Demise at 54

The sports community, especially the LSU family, mourns the death of their elite athlete, Wayne Sims. The 54-year-old star passed away on Wednesday, however, the primary cause is not yet released. During his LSU days, he teamed up with NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal and encouraged significant wins for his college. Athletic greats from varying domains are joining in to pay due respect to the late champ. Olympian sprinter, Sha’Carri Richardson, shared a captivating post by LSU Basketball, on her Instagram story. It featured Sims’ and his deceased son, Wayde’s alike LSU jersey numbers side-by-side. 

Besides that, LSU Basketball took a moment to remember Sims on the unfortunate occasion and dedicated a heartfelt post to his memory. The update on Twitter presented quotes shared by his primary coach, Dale Brown, and others expressing their shock and regret on his demise. 

Sports world dejected over Wayde Sims’s death

The 23-year-old LSU athlete put in a token of unworded appreciation for the late alumni in her Instagram story. She forwarded a post from her college’s official basketball page. It displayed the number 44, symbolic both of Wayne and his son, who played for LSU Tigers for two seasons before being killed in 2018. He was shot dead during the team’s first preseason practice that year. “Forever In Our Hearts,” the post’s caption read. 

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The post on Twitter illustrated the 6’7” standout’s career with brief glimpses. “Friend. Father. Legend,” the post was titled. Former LSU coach, Dale Brown said, “Wayne was always yes sir, no sir…He brought the best out in players…was a team player.” He asserted that even though he didn’t receive much credit for his finesse, Sims was the “base” of the team. 

Head coach, Matt McMahon also shared a few words on the instance. “Wayne was a true Tiger whose life and legacy made a lasting impact on our program,” he expressed. Big Daddy’s career spanned over a total of 117 games as an LSU Tigers player. Moreover, he is among the only few who scored over 1000 points and featured in four NCAA Tournaments. Sims assisted the Tigers’ notable Southern Conference victory in his senior year. 

The fatal misfortune of LSU player and Wayne Sims’ son

Five years ago, the LSU basketball community was left terrified after Wayne Sims’s 20-year-old son, Wayde Sims, was shot ahead of a practice session near the Southern University campus, per reports. He succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the hospital where he was being transported after the incident.

The young star was amid preparations for his junior year at LSU and had already appeared in 63 games for the team. After his death, his parents set up the Wayde Sims Foundation in Baton Rouge, where he died. “He and Fay worked tirelessly to keep Wayde’s memory alive,” disclosed Wade’s former coach Will Wade.

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The NCAA sphere is humbled by the iconic presence of the late athlete and shall cherish his contributions to the field till time immemorial. It is imperative that the sports community as a whole will remember Sims as the champion he was.