Football Field Shooting

SBHS freshman, Jamari Ritter has played football his whole life, it is his passion. Every Sunday, Ritter would go to the football field and train with his two brothers, Mark and Monique.

“Football was like my safe place. The field was another home to me,” said Ritter

On July 17, Ritter and his brothers were at Oreste Blake Johnson Park playing football when he heard four gunshots in the area.

“I had heard gunshots, and my brothers and I took off running toward the corner store. I remember running as fast as I could because I was so scared,” said Ritter.

Scared and in shock, the three boys ran to the nearest convenience store. Ritter said he could not stop crying because not only did he think he was going to lose his life, but his brothers’ lives too. When they safely arrived at the corner store, they decided to call their mom to pick them up. 

“I remember my mom freaking out and picking us up immediately. She said she never wanted us playing football again because she knew it was dangerous,” said Ritter.

Ritter said he felt so empty, and couldn’t fathom the thought of going on the field again. Although his brothers were fine with going back to the field to play football again,  Ritter felt afraid he might be shot, but eventually, he returned to the field. 

“I remember the first time I went back to play ball it felt like the weirdest thing, but I was so excited to be back,” he said. 

 Since the shooting, Ritter’s passion for football has not been the same. Ritter and his brothers still play football every weekend and still continue to enjoy the game of football.

“Gun violence can affect any person no matter what happened to you, people don’t take it seriously,” said Ritter.