Chiefs player commits suicide at team facility, kills 1 other

[The Natural]

Developing Story

@JayGlazer
Scary situation in KC right now as a player and another person have been shot at the Chiefs facility. Don't want to reveal player until his family knows

Channel 5 confirms a Chiefs player has committed suicide and killed his girlfriend at the practice facility.


Jay Glazer ‏@JayGlazer
Players are being told to go Stadium for team meeting on what has gone down but more details I'm getting, not a good situation

[SDCowboy85]

Very sad. ESPN is going to go wild with this.

[TheRomoSexual]

Hearing it was Jovan Belcher and that several teammates witnessed the murder-suicide.

[Hostile]

Hearing it was Jovan Belcher and that several teammates witnessed the murder-suicide.Oh I hope they didn't.

[sunbum]

Very sad. ESPN is going to go wild with this.

and place some sort of convoluted attachment to the Boys like "Cowboys fan as a child turned NFL Chiefs player...blah blah"

Seriously though, very sad and that road is never the right one. People always have options and things aren't as bleak as they may appear on the surface. Condolences to all affected.

[Gaede]

Wow, that's awful.

[The Natural]

From the Chiefs board



The first shooting was reported about 8 a.m. at a home near 54th Street and Chrysler Avenue. The second shooting was reported a short time later at a Chiefs practice facility located on the Arrowhead facility.

Officials said the Chiefs player shot and killed his girlfriend and then drove to the practice facility where he shot and killed himself. Possibly in front of the Coach, GM, and several teammates

[Apollo Creed]

In before head injuries and brain trauma.

[Deep_Freeze]

Hearing it was Jovan Belcher and that several teammates witnessed the murder-suicide.

Wow a starting NFL player does this??

That's unbelievable, the world is his oyster....but money has never been a cure for depression.

[Hostile]

From the Chiefs boardOh I feel for the Chiefs right now.

[WoodysGirl]

Very sad. ESPN is going to go wild with this.

and place some sort of convoluted attachment to the Boys like "Cowboys fan as a child turned NFL Chiefs player...blah blah"

Seriously though, very sad and that road is never the right one. People always have options and things aren't as bleak as they may appear on the surface. Condolences to all affected.
ESPN wouldn't be doing their job if they didn't cover this story. And I think you're doing this tragedy an injustice by trying to making it something other than what it is.

This is some real life stuff here. :(

[This is Our Year]

This is terrible, I wonder if they'll even play tomorrow?

[sunbum]

ESPN wouldn't be doing their job if they didn't cover this story. And I think you're doing this tragedy an injustice by trying to making it something other than what it is.

This is some real life stuff here. :(

thanks for scolding me....hence why I wrote "Seriously though, very sad and that road is never the right one. People always have options and things aren't as bleak as they may appear on the surface. Condolences to all affected."

[SDCowboy85]

This is terrible, I wonder if they'll even play tomorrow?
Why would they not play?

[calico]

What a nightmare....so tragic my thoughts and prayers go out to the families and kc community.


Same sick feeling like after hearing about Chris Benoit.

[Apollo Creed]

We're going to have to endure another week of brain trauma montages.

Reminds me of R.I.P Junior Seau, fellow linebacker.

Guy was young though, 25 I think.

[The Natural]

Why would they not play?

If players and coaches did indeed witness the incident the mental trauma could be too much for them. The NFL wouldn't cancel the game or anything but its hard to put those visuals behind you and play a game when you've witnessed real life the day before.

[This is Our Year]

I guess they leave behind a 2.5 month old child as well. Tragic

[VACowboy]

Just...WOW.

[SDCowboy85]

If players and coaches did indeed witness the incident the mental trauma could be too much for them. The NFL wouldn't cancel the game or anything but its hard to put those visuals behind you and play a game when you've witnessed real life the day before.
That's a good point.

[CowboyManDan]

Why would they not play?

Because this is a bit more important than a game and form the sounds of it could have affected others on the team.

[Avery]

Crazy stuff. Awaiting word who it is.

[StevenOtero]

Crazy stuff. Awaiting word who it is.It's gotta be Jovan Belcher. Twitter is blowing up: https://twitter.com/search?q=jovan%20belcher&src=typd

[StevenOtero]

http://twitter.com/_SupremeScotty/status/274906254785253377

"linebacker Jovan Belcher killed his girlfriend then went to the practice facility and shot himself in the head into front of the coaches"

[Avery]

It's gotta be Jovan Belcher. Twitter is blowing up: https://twitter.com/search?q=jovan%20belcher&src=typd

His wiki page was also updated though that's highly unscientific.

No one has a had tougher year than the Chiefs. This trumps anything having to do with their record.

[Lodeus]

If it is him its even worse that he recently had a kid. Terrible situation.

[StevenOtero]

https://twitter.com/JasonLaCanfora/status/274904815321096193

Chief LB Jovian Belcher was involved in a shooting involving at least one other person outside the team's facility today, source said...

http://twitter.com/JasonLaCanfora/status/274904815321096193

The team was moved to Arrowhead Stadium in the wake of the incident. more details forthcoming at @CBSSports

[Zordon]

wow this is tragic.

i was on the chiefs board and there are several posters making jokes about pioli/cassell......makes me appreciate this board a lot more.

[Nirvana]

from twitter:

KC police chief says Chiefs linebacker Jovan Belcher shot himself in front of "a couple coaches" and police.” Pioli & Crennel

[visionary]

ESPN wouldn't be doing their job if they didn't cover this story. And I think you're doing this tragedy an injustice by trying to making it something other than what it is.

This is some real life stuff here. :(

this

a human life is lost, nothing is more precious

not a time to point fingers but to learn and mourn

[This is Our Year]

NFL tells Panthers to travel to KC as planned.

[Dodger]

Are you kidding me?


Wow....

[SDCowboy85]

from twitter:

KC police chief says Chiefs linebacker Jovan Belcher shot himself in front of "a couple coaches" and police.” Pioli & Crennel
This is extremely sad. I can't even imagine witnessing something like that.

[Boys122]

Speechless.

[windward]

Stunned. There really are no words.

[Funxva]

Good God. How horrible.

I wonder if Brandon Carr knew him?

[StanleySpadowski]

Whenever you think of a selfish act like this, take a moment to also remember the selfless act of Joe Delaney.

[Plankton]

Left behind a 2 1/2 year old daughter, and killed her mother.

I will never understand why this would take place. What a tragedy.

[WoodysGirl]

thanks for scolding me....hence why I wrote "Seriously though, very sad and that road is never the right one. People always have options and things aren't as bleak as they may appear on the surface. Condolences to all affected."
Its not scolding, I just have issues when ppl inject stuff that just seems irrelevant in threads like this, but your overall point is noted.

[big dog cowboy]

Local media still not officially saying any names.

[Apollo Creed]

I'm torn on whether they should play tomorrow.

Part of me understands the importance of moving on but the other side of me understands the league isn't about to give up that much cash.

If it were Ray Lewis or a prominent superstar I could see it handled differently, and that's sad.

[Risen Star]

I'm torn on whether they should play tomorrow.

Part of me understands the importance of moving on but the other side of me understands the league isn't about to give up that much cash.

If it were Ray Lewis or a prominent superstar I could see it handled differently, and that's sad.

I don't see any logical reason why they wouldn't play. Regardless of who it was.

[BraveHeartFan]

What a terrible tragedy. That poor child left with no parents, the people who witnessed this terrible act.

I feel for all involved and touched by this and they'll be in my thoughts and prayers.

[TheCount]

We're going to have to endure another week of brain trauma montages.

I feel bad for you, must be rough having to watch television.

In before head injuries and brain trauma.

Yeah, that's the first thing that came to my mind. Not, "Wow, that's awful for the people that witnessed it and the families affected" but rather, "I gotta get my comment in before people start talking about head trauma!"


Some of you people say the most ridiculous crap when stuff like this goes down. This is awful, I can't even imagine what's going through the heads of those involved. Forget football for a sec.

[jobberone]

***Please be civil with one another and sensitive with your remarks.***

[Risen Star]

http://img.gawkerassets.com/img/1870pkjlsgdmjjpg/original.jpg (http://img.gawkerassets.com/img/1870pkjlsgdmjjpg/original.jpg)

[goshan]

I wouldn't assume its related to head injuries or depression.
The guy shot his girlfriend first...then decided to kill himself. May have done it because he realized his life was over after he killed his GF and mother of his child.

**Update**
KC star reporting he got into an argument with his GF and shot her multiple times. Her mom was a witness.

[TheSport78]

We're going to have to endure another week of brain trauma montages.

We have it tough, don't we?

:banghead:

[Hostile]

Whenever you think of a selfish act like this, take a moment to also remember the selfless act of Joe Delaney.For those who do not know, Delaney drowned saving a child who was drowning. He could not swim.

[Hostile]

KC PD is saying he did this right in front of Pioli and Crennel after thanking them for giving him a chance.

I feel for anyone who witnessed that.

[erickb]

For those who do not know, Delaney drowned saving a child who was drowning. He could not swim.

I had to google his name and wow, what I great man

[pjtoadie]

wow this is tragic.

i was on the chiefs board and there are several posters making jokes about pioli/cassell......makes me appreciate this board a lot more.

Yeah what a tragedy :(

I agree with you....people making jokes of this is so insensitive and sick!

[muck4doo]

This is just unbelievable.

[Plankton]

KC PD is saying he did this right in front of Pioli and Crennel after thanking them for giving him a chance.

I feel for anyone who witnessed that.

I can't imagine the therapy that they will need.

I also can't imagine what the girlfriend's mother is going through, witnessing the father of her granddaughter murdering her daughter.

Not much else to say

[Lodeus]

KC PD is saying he did this right in front of Pioli and Crennel after thanking them for giving him a chance.

I feel for anyone who witnessed that.

terrible

[LongSnapper]

Very sad, even sadder its happening again right now somewhere else and not a word will be mentioned of it. I don't think we can ever understand why these sort of situations occur. Many prayers sent that way

[calico]

KC PD is saying he did this right in front of Pioli and Crennel after thanking them for giving him a chance.

I feel for anyone who witnessed that.

Crazy stuff right there.

[Stryker44]

The pity is for the victim, the families involved and the people who had to witness it.

Yes I feel pity there. Just saying that what he did and the way he did it showed he didn't give a damn about the trauma it would cause for other people.

[Hostile]

The pity is for the victim, the families involved and the people who had to witness it.Exactly. Who has felt sorry for Belcher?

[Hostile]

I had to google his name and wow, what I great manIt was actually 3 kids who were drowning. I had forgotten the whole story and decided to remind myself. Yes, he was a great man and really a fine player too.

[Bluestang]

What a sad story, his daughter is beautiful. Very tragic stuff.

[AbeBeta]

Yes I feel pity there. Just saying that what he did and the way he did it showed he didn't give a damn about the trauma it would cause for other people.

People who commit acts like this are usually very messed up mentally. Attributing rationale though to them is a huge mistake in judgement.

[Stryker44]

You really have no clue do you? You have no idea the mental trauma the player was feeling after killing his child's mother. Thinking rationally in that state is only accomplished by sociopaths.

Yes - but he killed his GF in front of her mom! Then made the conscious decision to drive to Arrowhead, talk to these coaches, then off himself in front of them as well.

It sounds fairly calculated and cold to me...almost like trying to trying to inflict as much harm as possible.

Even shooting himself in the head - will they even be able to study his brain now and see if his condition was similar to Duerson and Seau?

[Deep_Freeze]

Very sad, even sadder its happening again right now somewhere else and not a word will be mentioned of it.

My family has been in the business of death for well over a century so death isn't a sensitive topic for me, this happens alot and doesn't even make the news. The saddest thing to me is that it has to be an NFL player for people to feel sad about it.

[IAMKING]

Because this is a bit more important than a game and form the sounds of it could have affected others on the team.

If they played after 9/11 and a presidential assassination Im sure they will thru this too just heavy hearted.

[Lazyking]

If they played after 9/11 and a presidential assassination Im sure they will thru this too just heavy hearted.


Totally different situations.. both 9/11 and a pres assassination didn't hit home for a whole team. its sad but not something that will haunt a player for years. This guy likely has best friends on the team and to find out he wasn't who you thought he was? It's something that I would imagine is very hard to deal with.

If the Chiefs want to play, fine but the NFL shouldn't force them.

[rash]

RIP Jovan...

[Picksix]

Yes I feel pity there. Just saying that what he did and the way he did it showed he didn't give a damn about the trauma it would cause for other people.

I understand your point, and yes, to do that in front of a group of people who knew him and cared about him was very selfish, but we don't know what drove him to that point. And once someone does get to that point, rational thought is usually gone.

[Dash28]

Thoughts and prayers to KC and the families involved.

Was it just the GM and coach or players witnessing this horrible event too?

[AbeBeta]

If they played after 9/11 and a presidential assassination Im sure they will thru this too just heavy hearted.

Weren't games cancelled post 9-11?

[rash]

:banghead: really man?


what?

[iceberg]

what?

Looks like the mods are trying to "clean up" some commentary. Give em some time.

[muck4doo]

I can't find anything that says this kid had any kind of problems before this.

[pancakeman]

Weren't games cancelled post 9-11?

Yes; well, postponed.

http://news.yahoo.com/911-forced-ex-nfl-commish-to-make-decision-of-lifetime.html

[pancakeman]

KC PD is saying he did this right in front of Pioli and Crennel after thanking them for giving him a chance.

I feel for anyone who witnessed that.

I once was reading online about a guy who shot himself on live TV. My dark curiosity got the better of me and I looked up an online video of the event. As soon as I saw it I instantly felt sick to my stomach with regret and mad at myself for pressing play. I can not fathom seeing something like that happen in front of me live.

Horrible.

[rickjameschinaclub]

Whenever you think of a selfish act like this, take a moment to also remember the selfless act of Joe Delaney.

Didn't know about him, but just googled him after your mentioning his name. I'm glad you mentioned him and I'm glad I googled his name.

That guy was a hero, this guy that killed his girlfriend and then himself, leaving a 2.5 month old, was truly selfish.

[Risen Star]

I once was reading online about a guy who shot himself on live TV. My dark curiosity got the better of me and I looked up an online video of the event. As soon as I saw it I instantly felt sick to my stomach with regret and mad at myself for pressing play. I can not fathom seeing something like that happen in front of me live.

Horrible.

I bet you're talking about Budd Dwyer. He was state treasurer for Pennsylvania and was about to go to prison for receiving a bribe.

Called a press conference the day before sentencing and....well....extremely gruesome footage.

[Lodeus]

I cant imagine wanting to coach a game hours after one of your players just shot himself in front of you.

[justbob]

I bet you're talking about Budd Dwyer. He was state treasurer for Pennsylvania and was about to go to prison for receiving a bribe.

Called a press conference the day before sentencing and....well....extremely gruesome footage.

Use that video in some of my training classes....By shooting himself before sentencing ,he guaranteed his pension would go to his wife. That being said:

Lets keep it on this incident please. Thanks

[KJJ]

Whenever you think of a selfish act like this, take a moment to also remember the selfless act of Joe Delaney.

A Football Life that's been airing on NFLN needs to do one on Joe Delaney.

[zrinkill]

Horrible tragedy.

My heart goes out to everyone who is suffering from this.

[fanfromvirginia]

Very sad and horrific.

[Falcon554]

They need to cancel the game, just a horrible thing to happen

[erod]

Incomprehensible.

[rash]

I'm hoping every game tomorrow will hold a moment of silence for this man.

#RestInPeaceJovan

[fanfromvirginia]

I'm hoping every game tomorrow will hold a moment of silence for this man.

#RestInPeaceJovan
And for the girlfriend who was murdered.

[SDCowboy85]

I'm hoping every game tomorrow will hold a moment of silence for this man.

#RestInPeaceJovan
A moment of silence for a murderer would be sick. Maybe one for the families affected.

[SDCowboy85]

And for the girlfriend who was murdered.
It's amazing how many people have lost sight of the fact he killed someone beforehand.

[Rynie]

That's terrible. A friend of mine shot himself a few months ago. People have demons, and in their minds, they're inescabable. Sucks for everyone who are involved (family, friends). My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Chief nation.

[Hostile]

I once was reading online about a guy who shot himself on live TV. My dark curiosity got the better of me and I looked up an online video of the event. As soon as I saw it I instantly felt sick to my stomach with regret and mad at myself for pressing play. I can not fathom seeing something like that happen in front of me live.

Horrible.Bud Dwyer. Felt the same way.

[Everlastingxxx]

I think it’s a mistake to make the team fly and play a game tomorrow.

[Joshmil53]

It's amazing how many people have lost sight of the fact he killed someone beforehand.

And the fact it was in front of teammates and all.

[Frozen700]

This is terrible, I wonder if they'll even play tomorrow?

:lmao:

was this a joke?

Anyways, i don't feel sorry for anyone who takes their own life.

I feel sorry for the girlfriend though.

[Hostile]

I think it’s a mistake to make the team fly and play a game tomorrow.Carolina is coming there. They have no emotional attachment here, other than being fellow players.

[Frozen700]

I wouldn't assume its related to head injuries or depression.
The guy shot his girlfriend first...then decided to kill himself. May have done it because he realized his life was over after he killed his GF and mother of his child.

**Update**
KC star reporting he got into an argument with his GF and shot her multiple times. Her mom was a witness.

Smh, fool....

Can't feel sorry for this guy.

The Lady i do, and the Child most def.

He obviously gave 2 craps about his child, to just kill off the mother, and himself. I'll never understand, even if a woman cheats, you don't do this.

[FiveRings]

:lmao:

was this a joke?

Anyways, i don't feel sorry for anyone who takes their own life.

I feel sorry for the girlfriend though.

Amen, people dying in 3rd world country from disease and starvation and this millionaire athlete is driven to kill then commit suicide from unhappiness

[Frozen700]

Amen, people dying in 3rd world country from disease and starvation and this millionaire athlete is driven to kill then commit suicide from unhappiness

Seriously. People die everyday.....Over things they can't control.

This guy just decides to off himself, and on top of it the mother of his child, leaving her with no parents.

If that's how he feels, may god have mercy on your soul boy, because I sure as hell don't

The mother, now that's the real victim. If i was espn, i would ignore his death, and focus on the mother.

He was probably facing death penalty anyways....tool

[Nirvana]

IMO, the suicide was to escape prison/death penalty. The murder was not pre-meditated, it was after an argument and with a witness present. Perhaps the woman's mother was there to pick her up and take her from there. Not sure about that but reports are that he killed himself just as the police were arriving at the stadium.

Prayers go out to all involved. Terrible tragedy.

[SDCowboy85]

IMO, the suicide was to escape prison/death penalty. The murder was not pre-meditated, it was after an argument and with a witness present. Perhaps the woman's mother was there to pick her up and take her from there. Not sure about that but reports are that he killed himself just as the police were arriving at the stadium.

Prayers go out to all involved. Terrible tragedy.
That's a very good point.

[muck4doo]

Seriously. People die everyday.....Over things they can't control.

This guy just decides to off himself, and on top of it the mother of his child, leaving her with no parents.

If that's how he feels, may god have mercy on your soul boy, because I sure as hell don't

The mother, now that's the real victim. If i was espn, i would ignore his death, and focus on the mother.

He was probably facing death penalty anyways....tool

It appears to be a crime of passion, and we don't know all the details. God will be his judge. A woman who used to babysit me as a kid in the 70's shot her husband to death later in the 80's(in front of one of their daughters). She had found out he had been cheating on her, and he was also mentally abusive. She just lost it one day, and killed him. She was out a few years later, and became a recluse. The only ones who still talk to her are some of her kids(she had a lot of them).

[muck4doo]

According to the school release, Belcher graduated in December 2008 with a bachelor's degree in child development and family relations.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/chiefs/2012/12/01/jovan-belcher-kansas-city-chiefs-murder-suicide-maine-reaction/1739251/

[IAMKING]

I'm hoping every game tomorrow will hold a moment of silence for this man.

#RestInPeaceJovan

Moment in silence for a murderer? Give me a break.

[Tass]

Why is this thread not in the NFL zone?

[T-RO]

I think it’s a mistake to make the team fly and play a game tomorrow.

I agree. Neither Carolina nor KC are in the playoff hunt. Call it off.

[T-RO]

She had found out he had been cheating on her, and he was also mentally abusive.


Or so she said. There are a lot of times those cover stories are just flat lies.

[Hostile]

Or so she said. There are a lot of times those cover stories are just flat lies.He knows the woman he is talking about, but you know the situation better than he does?

Where'd you buy your turban and crystal ball?

[T-RO]

:lmao:

was this a joke?

Anyways, i don't feel sorry for anyone who takes their own life.

I feel sorry for the girlfriend though.



Some people are just momentarily sick in the head...just like a physical sickness.

The brain is a chemical place. A location of never-ending electrical storms. And we just don't know what it is like to be in someone else's shoes. We. Don't. Know.

[AbeBeta]

I'm hoping every game tomorrow will hold a moment of silence for this man.

#RestInPeaceJovan

Obviously you don't do that for someone who murdered the mother of his child (or anyone).

But neither is it right to demonize him. He's not some cold blooded killer. He was likely mentally ill.

If the league does something it should donate some proceeds from tomorrow's games for a trust fund for the daughter he orphaned. That would make a difference

[Everlastingxxx]

I agree. Neither Carolina nor KC are in the playoff hunt. Call it off.

At least give them some time to grieve. Carolina has an obvious competitive edge. Roger Goodell, the worst commissioner in NFL history, thinks differently.

[AbeBeta]

At least give them some time to grieve. Carolina has an obvious competitive edge. Roger Goodell, the worst commissioner in NFL history, thinks differently.

The decision was made based on the wishes of the Chiefs. League let them make the call.

[bigdrulez3141]

So crazy. My buddy was QB for his team when he was at Maine in college.

RIP

[Everlastingxxx]

The decision was made based on the wishes of the Chiefs. League let them make the call.

It shouldn’t have been left to them. The Chiefs don’t want to appear selfish to Carolina. The Chiefs will get beat by 30 points and the fans get to add more depression on top of what has already happened.

[SkinsandTerps]

You certainly learn from reading.

RIP to all involved and sorry for everyone's losses.

[big dog cowboy]

The Chiefs will get beat by 30 points and the fans get to add more depression on top of what has already happened.

They may or may not lose by 30 points. But their depression has already reached the lowest possible point.

[T-RO]

He knows the woman he is talking about, but you know the situation better than he does?

Where'd you buy your turban and crystal ball?


Stop being obnoxious. It was a 1 line post. Clear as day. I made no declarative about the woman. Yet you pathetically tried to smear my statement.

I wrote, "There are a lot of times those cover stories are just flat lies." The flip-side is also true...there are a lot of times where the woman is speaking truth.

[jgboys1]

It shouldn’t have been left to them. The Chiefs don’t want to appear selfish to Carolina. The Chiefs will get beat by 30 points and the fans get to add more depression on top of what has already happened.

A lot of people in a time of mourning like to go back to a normal routine as soon as potable, to get there minds off of the tragedy. Maybe that is what the Chiefs are trying to do.

[T-RO]

A lot of people in a time of mourning like to go back to a normal routine as soon as potable, to get there minds off of the tragedy. Maybe that is what the Chiefs are trying to do.

I agree, but I'm not sure a typical NFL game is "normal routine". It requires a tremendous degree of focus and aggression. How aggressive can you be after something like this?

[SkinsandTerps]

I agree, but I'm not sure a typical NFL game is "normal routine". It requires a tremendous degree of focus and aggression. How aggressive can you be after something like this?

The game should be played.

We have no idea how they will deal with it. The players that have issue ...pretty sure they will be allowed to sit out.

[IAmLegend]

Sad, sad stuff. Makes their football game seem meaningless. I don't think the game should be played. This is a big deal that should be given time. ESPN said that Jamaal Charles and Derrick Johnson, both former Texas players, were his two best friends on the team. I imagine that they're grieving and couldn't care less about some football game at a time like this. Not sure what the guy was going through but you have to be in a pretty dark place mentally to commit an act like this. Either way, thoughts and prayers go out to his family as well as the other victim. RIP.

[Hoofbite]

The game should be played.

We have no idea how they will deal with it. The players that have issue ...pretty sure they will be allowed to sit out.

Overall I agree.

But I don't think there's a simple "should" or "should not". Will they, of course.

I don't think anybody can make that decision and make all parties happy.

Whether or not people have any sympathy for the guy himself, he's still a teammate. People don't usually kill themselves without some sort of underlying illness. What he did was horrible but he's still a friend. It's still going to be one less guy out there and his number isn't going to be on the field.

I wouldn't expect or demand that Crennel, Pioli or any player to be there and to be honest, I wouldn't ask any of them to return any sooner than they feel comfortable with, up to the end of the season. I suspect they will because these guys are so football-oriented that being away from the dominating portion of their lives might be more problematic and give them more time to brood on it than if they go to the game but I wouldn't hold anything against them if they just took the rest of the season off. That team isn't going anywhere and even if they were, if they overcome the stuff they saw and now deal with by getting away from it all, that's far more important than this game, the next game, or the rest of the games this year.

If that means the entire team doesn't want to play, so be it. They are the ones who have to deal with it. I doubt it would come to that but that's my take on it. I don't think anybody who isn't involved with that organization has the right to tell other people how they should respond or how they should feel about the situation.

They'll play the game. Should they play is a decision for the individual player to make. Should the NFL just cancel the game? No. Doing that would just extend the problem beyond the reach of the NFL.

[fanfromvirginia]

Obviously you don't do that for someone who murdered the mother of his child (or anyone).

But neither is it right to demonize him. He's not some cold blooded killer. He was likely mentally ill.

If the league does something it should donate some proceeds from tomorrow's games for a trust fund for the daughter he orphaned. That would make a difference
This.

[StanleySpadowski]

Bud Dwyer. Felt the same way.


Slightly off-topic but for factual accuracy...

Budd Dwyer committed suicide at a press conference but it was not carried live by any television station. Cameras were there and rolling but it wasn't a live feed. Because stations across the country showed the footage to varying degrees and at the time nothing of this sort had ever been shown on the news, people seem to remember it happening on "live" tv.

[AbeBeta]

It shouldn’t have been left to them. The Chiefs don’t want to appear selfish to Carolina. The Chiefs will get beat by 30 points and the fans get to add more depression on top of what has already happened.

Selfish? I don't think anyone (aside from you obviously) would see not wanting to play as selfish.

[Irving Cowboy]

Selfish? I don't think anyone (aside from you obviously) would see not wanting to play as selfish.Life goes on.

The people who commit suicide are usually the only ones who want everything to stop on their account, secondary to relieving the pain they are in. That's one reason why it's considered a selfish act.

[SkinsandTerps]

Life goes on.

The people who commit suicide are usually the only ones who want everything to stop on their account, secondary to relieving the pain they are in. That's one reason why it's considered a selfish act.

That is not completely accurate.

The selfish part is typically a reference to the loved ones that don't even have a chance to say goodbye, or I love you, etc.

[SacredStar]

It is important to remember that most people who are suicidal don't want to end their lives yet only want to end their pain. There is always help out there but most feel they are cowards or weak for asking for help. Seeking help shows strength not weakness.

I did drive down to the stadium and to the scene of the murder to pay my respects, leaving flowers at both locations. Very somber situation.

[AbeBeta]

Life goes on.

The people who commit suicide are usually the only ones who want everything to stop on their account, secondary to relieving the pain they are in. That's one reason why it's considered a selfish act.

People who commit suicide rarely have thoughts about the impact on other. The reason being is that they often are mentally ill and incapable of such thought.

That's not selfishness. It is illness.

[SDCowboy85]

People who commit suicide rarely have thoughts about the impact on other. The reason being is that they often are mentally ill and incapable of such thought.

That's not selfishness. It is illness.
This situation sounds a lot more like a guy that freaked after he murdered his GF and didn't want to spend the rest of his life in prison. People need to stop trying to justify this and letting the guy off the hook.

[TwoDeep3]

I believe there are moments in every person's life when they are at a crossroads. One action will allow them to walk away from danger and the other will head them into a moment in life they can never take back.

I think back to the killing of the Clutter family. If you've never read the book or seen the film "In Cold Blood," this was a seminal moment in the history of crime in this country.

The killers sat on death row for five years as things changed about capital punishment.

But the act itself of killing the entire family for forty dollars has always bothered me. I was a kid living in a world that did not lock their front doors at night.

This changed it.

But the act itself, so heinous and needless, came to a moment in time that the shooter had to decide to kill.

And once that impulse was satisfied, did the killer then regret the action.

There is a documentary titled "Bridge" where they filmed the Golden Gate Bridge for a year to witness the suicides.

Of the ones that leaped, thirteen were successful.

One guy lived.

He was questioned by the documentarist and he told this story.

He was depressed and despondent and the only thing he could see to make that pain go away was to jump.

So he did.

And the moment he was in open space with no way back, he had a moment of clarity that this was the biggest mistake he had ever made.

I think murder suicide is the same.

But in this case the murder now means facing something that has changed your life, and suicide is the easy road out.

I imagine this kid regretted killing the woman. But then the aftermath was just too difficult for him to face, so he killed himself.

No one will know for certain, but I wonder since he was a walk-on, if the pressure applied to stay in the league and earn that money had a hand in his final decision.

It appears he was arguing with her because she came home late from a concert. The soft spoken demeanor he is attributed with could lend itself in self esteem issues which manifest in jealousy.

It escalated and he took action out of rage.

Then he became desperate and acted out in front of his coach and GM. Maybe the final statement which was an expression of stress because of the game he played and what it took to compete.

Just an opinion.

[TwoDeep3]

One last thing.

In most cases, suicide is an act of anger.

[AbeBeta]

This situation sounds a lot more like a guy that freaked after he murdered his GF and didn't want to spend the rest of his life in prison. People need to stop trying to justify this and letting the guy off the hook.

No one is letting the guy off the hook. Understanding that people do things because they are mentally ill is important though. Attributing rationale thought to someone who does something like this is generally the wrong approach.

[CowboyMcCoy]

Why would they not play?

:shoot6:

[BringBackThatOleTimeBoys]

One last thing.

In most cases, suicide is an act of anger.I agree.

An immature couple probably goes over the top.

Don't know if we will find out the he said / she said.

Regardless, he shoots her NINE TIMES, then he realizes he just ruined his daughter's life, career, his life.

I don't think anyone could have talked him out of killing himself at the stadium....if only someone was there when he was about to shoot up his girlfriend.


A number of years ago I was going up the US 75 / Bush Tollway and wondered why it was so slow. Some guy about the same age got into a rage with his girlfriend, pulled over his Mercedes over US 75 and dropped her 85 feet to her death. :eek: :eek: :eek: Then when it sank in he jumped. I finally saw the white cloth going up the ramp.

[Frozen700]

I agree.

An immature couple probably goes over the top.

Don't know if we will find out the he said / she said.

Regardless, he shoots her NINE TIMES, then he realizes he just ruined his daughter's life, career, his life.

I don't think anyone could have talked him out of killing himself at the stadium....if only someone was there when he was about to shoot up his girlfriend.


A number of years ago I was going up the US 75 / Bush Tollway and wondered why it was so slow. Some guy about the same age got into a rage with his girlfriend, pulled over his Mercedes over US 75 and dropped her 85 feet to her death. :eek: :eek: :eek: Then when it sank in he jumped. I finally saw the white cloth going up the ramp.

That's pretty much the biggest thing. He took her life, therefore already ruined his daughters life, because he wasn't getting away regardless

Scum

[BringBackThatOleTimeBoys]

Forgot to mention all his teammates will beat themselves up wondering if they might have kept him from doing it. :(

[Lodeus]

People in general need to listen to what Brady Quinn said.

[Manwiththeplan]

This situation sounds a lot more like a guy that freaked after he murdered his GF and didn't want to spend the rest of his life in prison. People need to stop trying to justify this and letting the guy off the hook.

I don't think saying he's mentally ill is letting him off the hook. No one is suggesting a statue be built in his honor or his jersey retired. And the only one calling for a moment of silence seems to be a random twitter account created after the incident.

He did a horribile thing, which will have further reaching consequences then he imagined, but imo his behavior screams mentally ill. A cold blooded killer, like Rae Carruth for example would make some attempt at getting away with the murder. A cold blooded killer, likely would've killed the mother as well and start driving, not thank his 2 bosses for the opportunity before killing himself.

[Manwiththeplan]

People in general need to listen to what Brady Quinn said.

yea, there are a lot of victim's here. the daughter, the grandmother, the girlfriend. and everyone one in the chiefs locker room and all his close friends will be wondering what could I have done.

[BringBackThatOleTimeBoys]

^ mental illness is more widespread than people imagine, BUT the truly nut cases like the near-assassin of Congresswoman Giffords is in the minority and the only ones I've possibly give even a partial pass on their actions.

The takeaway is everyone take a look in the mirror and if in doubt see a professional. It may not be a big deal, like being nearsighted physically, etc, but know your shortcomings and deal with it. The other thing is everyone be on the watch for angry and/or people out of touch with reality. Shootings will still happen, but if we are sensitive to angry/I've been wronged people, intervention is possible.

[Kangaroo]

An article written about the KC tragedy and if they should have played or not here is an interesting excert from the article from someone who dealt with a similar situation.

Link to the full article here
http://www.foxsportskansascity.com/12/02/12/Chiefs-situation-doesnt-leave-much-to-sa/msn_landingalt.html?blockID=829551&feedID=5128

Before the game, still angry it was being played with all the fanfare and hoopla of an NFL Sunday, a friend approached me in the press box. He told me he thought playing was the right call. I told him he couldn't be more wrong. I felt self-righteous. He told me his brother had committed suicide several years ago — had in fact shot himself, and that he had been the one to find the body — and that at the time what he had needed to fight the grief, to not be utterly consumed by it, was to go to work. So he understood exactly where the Chiefs were coming from.

So what did I know? What, really, on something like this, can any of us know for sure?

[Phrozen Phil]

It was clear from watching interviews and seeing pictures of the players, that teammates were finding ways to grieve and deal with the scope of the tragedy. The very thought of a teammate or close friend completely losing it and committing an act like this would be so far from what I would envison from the people I know. Yesterday must have been very difficult for those invovled. Today may not be much better.

[HoustonFrog]

Interesting article on what happened. It seems he had issues before and if I'm reading it right, he was actually found by cops before the murder asleep in his Bentley but they let him drive home. I feel horribly for her family and for the Chiefs coaches and GM who had to watch it unfold.

http://www.kansascity.com/2012/12/04/3947425/chiefs-tried-to-help-jovan-belcher.html

Seconds after fatally shooting his longtime girlfriend, Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Jovan Belcher leaned over her in their master bathroom, said he was sorry and kissed her on the forehead.

His mother, who heard gunfire as she stood in the kitchen, rushed to her son’s bedroom and watched his remorseful goodbye.

Belcher apologized to his mother, kissed his 3-month-old daughter and fled his rented home in the 5400 block of Crysler Avenue in his Bentley

Club officials knew about the couple’s problems. The Chiefs had provided counseling and “were bending over backward” to help, Sharp said.

But Belcher told Pioli that the assistance wasn’t enough to fix their problems and now, “It was too late.”

When another Chiefs employee arrived, Pioli told him to stay back. Meanwhile Pioli tried to persuade Belcher to lay down the weapon, Sharp said.

Belcher thanked Pioli for everything he had done for him. He asked if he and Clark Hunt would take care of his daughter.

Chiefs Head Coach Romeo Crennel and linebackers coach Gary Gibbs arrived in the parking lot and Belcher reportedly announced, “Guys, I have to do this.

Detectives don’t know what specifically sparked the argument between the couple at home, but a friend of Perkins told The Star that the couple argued around 1 a.m. Saturday when Perkins returned home from the Trey Songz concert and drinks with friends afterward. Belcher was mad she had stayed out so late, the friend said.

Sometime later, Kansas City police talked with Belcher after finding him asleep in his Bentley on Armour Boulevard. Officers determined he was able to drive himself home. Police believe he arrived home about 7 a.m., well before a 9:30 team meeting. That’s when the yelling began.



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