NASHVILLE, Tenn. – In the wake of Auburn’s semifinal win over Florida, something more important loomed over the buzz surrounding the SEC Tournament – the destruction caused by a mile-wide, EF-4 tornado that decimated Beauregard and the other surrounding Lee County areas March 3, killing 23 people in the process.
Other SEC programs have shown their support -- from Alabama and Nick Saban to Greg Sankey donating $100,000 earlier this month to relief efforts.
Another form of support came from Auburn’s SEC Title opponent, Tennessee, and its star player, Grant Williams.
“Honestly, you just never want things like that to happen,” Williams said. “It’s just out of, not just respect, but understanding that, at any point, that can happen to anyone. If it’s your family involved, I think you’d want people to support them, as well.
Williams said one of the Vols' team chaplains made the drive to Auburn last week to help with recovery.
"I just wanted to give them as many prayers as I can, as much love as I can," Williams said. "I hope they prevail and come out stronger.”
Despite the excitement from the win, Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl also showed that Auburn and its players are still thinking about those affected.
“Our community has been through a lot,” Pearl said. “With the storm and it’s been very difficult. For the people and the Beauregard area that are watching this, our guys are thinking about them.”
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