Mavericks star Luka Doncic commits to paying for funerals, counseling after Belgrade shooting

Kevin Skiver

Mavericks star Luka Doncic commits to paying for funerals, counseling after Belgrade shooting image

A school shooting in Belgrade, Serbia, has rocked the country this week, as at least eight children and a security guard were murdered in Vladislav Ribnikar primary school.

Mavericks guard Luka Doncic, whose father is Serbian, has family in the region. The Luka Doncic Foundation said Thursday it is going to pay for the funerals of those killed and counseling, per ESPN.

According to Adrian Wojnarowski, Doncic plans to be a part of any short and long-term relief to come in the aftermath of the tragedy.

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"I am heartbroken by the tragic school shooting in Serbia and the loss of lives, including those of innocent school children," Doncic said in a statement. "My thoughts are with the families and the entire community affected by this tragedy."

"Through my foundation, I am exploring both immediate and long-term ways to support the students, faculty, and families affected by the shooting at the Vladislav Ribnikar Elementary School. I am committed and I will continue to share updates and ways to support as details become available."

Doncic, who hails from Slovenia, speaks Serbian and was tied to the Serbia national team before committing to Slovenia in 2016.

Kevin Skiver

Kevin Skiver Photo

Kevin Skiver has been a content producer at Sporting News since 2021. He previously worked at CBS Sports as a trending topics writer, and now writes various pieces on MLB, the NFL, the NBA, and college sports. He enjoys hiking and eating, not necessarily in that order.