Tragedy Mars Bulls Star's Anti-Violence Crusade
(CBS) -- Hours after Chicago Bulls star Joakim Noah met with the manager of a rapper to enlist his support in an anti-violence campaign, the manager himself became a victim, CBS 2's Jim Williams reports.
"Nobody deserves to die that way," Noah said.
They were the usual post-practice comments Monday from Noah, including an update on Derrick Rose and an assessment of the Bulls' last few regular-season games.
But then the conversation with Noah turned far more serious.
"What happened to that man is really sad," Noah said. "Nobody deserves to die that way. Unfortunately, it's the harsh reality. It happens way too much in this city."
At 84th and Stony Island, the man Noah referred to was sitting in a car early Friday when someone opened fire. Uchenna Agina, 24, later died at a hospital.
Hours before his death, he was with Noah at the athlete's apartment, alongside Agina's client, Chicago rapper Lil Durk.
Noah says he's tried to enlist Chicagoans from every part of the community to oppose gun violence.
"We need everybody to do their part, whatever that is," he said.
Noah's foundation is creating anti-violence programs. Last year, he released a public service announcement urging Chicagoans to drop the guns. It is an effort he promises will continue, despite the frustration and latest violent setback.
"It's very draining, and it's hard, but we just got to keep pushing," he said.
No arrests have been reported in connection with the case.