The night before Kansas City Chiefs player Jovan Belcher shot and killed his girlfriend before committing suicide, he was out all night with another woman at was supposed to stay at her apartment but ended up staying at another friend's apartment. The two had been drinking all night and somehow got separated. In the morning, her friend woke up Jovan for a team meeting. he went home and shot his girlfriend and then went and killed himself. The Chiefs have established a fund to help the three month old baby left behind.
Has anyone heard/seen who is taking in the baby? So, so sad.
ReplyDeleteThis is just such a senseless tragedy. My heart breaks for the child who has to grow up without her Mom and Dad. I don't get it. You're unhappy. Why do you have to kill your girlfriend? Just off yourself. Suicide is awful enough but to murder the mother of your child? This is just too unspeakably horrendous. I praise the Chiefs coach who actually coached the next day. He seems like a pretty decent guy.
ReplyDeleteNot trying to poke fun, but these stories always seem to get weirder and weirder as they go on. Another woman now? And a three month old baby? So sad. So, so sad.
ReplyDeleteAmber, Jovan's mother has custody.
ReplyDeleteAnybody heard anything about whether this could be linked to head injuries - concussive syndrome or whatever it's called? Doesn't excuse the behavior, of course, but perhaps to make sense of this tragedy? Maybe he had issues unrelated to head injuries, IDK. Just wondering if any of y'all have read anything about it, and if so, would you kindly post a link? Thanks.
ReplyDeleteThat's exactly what my husband said its sad these head injuries really mess them up.. and a lot of suicide. I watched a special about it and they are still investigating it and they are doing autopsys on donated brains from former nfl players..
Delete@Amber not sure if his mom is the one caring for the baby but I've read she was at the home when it all happened & she's the one who called 911. She even referred to Jovan's g/f as her daughter on the call because they were close.
ReplyDelete@frufra Jovan never had a documented head injury.
ReplyDeleteWhile I don't understand killing his girlfriend, I'm relieved he didn't kill the baby and his mom too.
ReplyDeleteNone of this makes any sense to us, but he seemed to have thought it through - sort of.
Fru- not to be cynical, which of course means i am going to be, but mb it had less to do with head injuries and more to do with drinking all night with intentions of sleeping with another woman. Prob drugs involved too. Tragic. Now his mother has baby, and vows to raise her in same neighborhood as her father because hey, that worked out great.
ReplyDeleteI could be wrong, but I haven't heard that players with these head injuries tend to hurt others - usually commit suicide because of their pain, confusion, etc. I don't think they're dangerous to others.
ReplyDeletewhere did this story come from? i didn't see anything like this in the kansas city star. they say she went to a concert the night before and he partied with friends. at 1 am, they had an argument at home because she was out so late. later, he was found sleeping in his car by police, who let him drive home, and that's when they argued and he shot her. no mention of another woman.
ReplyDelete@nancer, good call. I guess that's why I commented on them getting weirder and weirder. I heard he was sleeping in his car, also. In one of the very first reports. Maybe someone is trying to smear his character now? Make it seem like he's the whackjob? Sad, regardless. Just really sad.
ReplyDeleteBefore this tragedy, Belcher would have been considered a great story. Grew up in New York, went to college in Maine, was undrafted but through hard work, made it to the NFL and was having a solid career. So I would say that whatever Belcher's problem was, it had nothing to do with his old neighborhood or upbringing.
ReplyDeleteI don't want to judge, because it's all so sad. A child has no parents, mothers have lost children, and others will have to live with the nightmare of seeing someone kill themselves in front of them. Heartbreaking.
No "documented" head injury doesn't mean there wasn't any. With so much awareness now about concussions and the long term damage of these persistent, low grade head traumas, people are keeping it quiet as not to be benched or cut.
ReplyDeleteI know how much drama there is about head injuries at the HS level and these guys have millions $$ at stake.
Thanks for the input, everybody. So, no documented head injuries. But, like Vera pointed out, who really knows? This is truly senseless and heartbreaking, all the way around, whatever the reason. Anyone know any more about Junior Seau's death? I guess I could google, huh? So many tragedies - so many devastated families.
ReplyDeleteOk, so i guess walking out not an option? I agree with aunt liddy.
ReplyDelete@Frufra: were you referring to this study? there was one suicide among the deaths, but no murders, I believe: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/03/sports/study-bolsters-link-between-routine-hits-to-head-and-long-term-brain-disease.html
ReplyDeleteMy friend committed suicide last Friday. He's being buried and it's in Michigan (I live in NC), so I can't be there. Suicide is a bitch, man. We can speculate all day and forever, but unless a detailed note is left behind, we never know. And, even then...there are always more and more questions. I just wish to hell he hadn't murdered his girlfriend. I wish peace and love for that baby.
ReplyDelete@Angelina - thanks for the link! I'll hop over there and read it.
ReplyDelete@Reeses, where in Michigan? That's where I live.....
ReplyDelete@Reeses - I'm so sorry for your loss. My grandfather committed suicide 15 years ago. Your gut reaction at first is to seek a reason why (no note from him, either). But, as time passes, you are better able to remember their lives and what you loved about them, and the circumstances of their death takes a backseat in your mind. Peace to you this day, and I pray all the wonderful memories of your dear friend start bubbling to the surface, and rise above your grief and anger. Hugs from the Midwest <3.
ReplyDeleteThe police report that Jovan was sleeping in his car on a street in downtown KC and told him to drive home...this was just before 7:am.
ReplyDeleteI don't doubt though that he'd been with another woman while drinking at a downtown bar in KC.
Thank you so much, Frufra. I believe we've talked about sui before...my dad killed himself when I was 15. I've lost a lot of friends, too. You get stuck in a moment and you feel like you'll never get out of it. But it does pass....some moments are longer than others.
ReplyDeleteSilly, it's Downriver. Not familiar with that area. I grew up in Auburn Hills and spent years and years in Ann Arbor.
I'm in Oakland County. I would have offered to go on your behalf if it was near here. So sorry for your loss, I didn't mean to come across cold or uncaring.
ReplyDeleteSilly...no, not at all did you come across as cold or uncaring! I just figured you were curious, being from that area. I'm sorry if I came across snotty. (Damn text!)
ReplyDeleteThank you so very much for your generous thoughts. Hugs from a former MI chickie. (It's still *home* to me.) <3
Silly Girl and ReesesPeace, I'm a Michigander too, but in the U.P. :-)
ReplyDeleteSo sorry about your friend ReesesPeace. I lost a friend to suicide almost 8 years ago...if only she had talked to people, and if only your friend had too, so tragic.
@figgy.....we're everywhere.... :D
ReplyDeleteSuicide is really the last great taboo. No one wants to talk about it, yet when i stopped to think just now, i know of soooo many cases- some in my family- its very common. Idk if this comforts, but james van pragh says suicides are souls that came back too soon, and they never find peace in this world. Once the pass over, they are sorry to hurt anyone but are so now at peace. My deep sympathy goes out to any and all families that have to get thru the holidays with a recent death or suicide in their family. Hugs.
ReplyDeletewhat they are finding out now about long term head injuries is quite scary. Not only NFL but NHL and MMA. Too many suicides, a LOT of depression and not enough support from the owners.
ReplyDelete@figgy: My summer home is on the Menominee River but on the Wisconsin side. We swim across to Michigan all the time. We do most of our shopping & dining out in the U.P. when we're up there. I'm practically a Yooper!
ReplyDeleteMy son was born on the 13th of Sept. and looking at him and thinking of this little girl without parents brought tears to my eyes last night. I really hope she is taken care of and receives extra love from those caring for her for the rest of her life. It may make up for missing parents but hopefully she can still become a balanced person as she grows up.
ReplyDelete@Reeses - I am so sorry for your loss. My brother committed suicide (no note) in March and not a day goes by that I don't question why and what I could have done to help him. But on the other hand I understand all too well the pain (mentally) you can be in and want to end it all (I've tried 3 times and I won't say that I haven't thought about it many many times in the past year).
ReplyDeleteSee Chris Benoit also, Re:Concussion and head trauma leading to suicide and murder. Wrestling is fixed/improvised in the ring so as to prevent legit injury, but that guy was always doing flying headbutts to grounded opponents and you cant fake that, he'd always connect with something. I also remember they also banned chairshots to the head after his murder/suicide.
ReplyDeleteI'm always keeping on an eye on Mat Hoffman because I remember he was bragging about how he'd had thousands of concussions.
Well, not really always. Just right now is the first time I've Googled him ever.
@New, sorry for your loss. I can't imagine what that would be like. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteThanks. It has been very rough.
DeleteJunior Seau was also arrested prior to his suicide on domestic violence charges, wasn't he?
ReplyDeleteHead trauma causes irrational thought and temperament issues, I believe. Look at the boxers. Emotional problems.
Junior Seau was also arrested prior to his suicide on domestic violence charges, wasn't he?
ReplyDeleteHead trauma causes irrational thought and temperament issues, I believe. Look at the boxers. Emotional problems.
Ingrid, yes, Chris Benoit is who I was trying to come up with, I knew something similar to this had happened before. Of course it could be coincidence.
ReplyDeleteReeses - Sorry for your loss.
Sincerely, Another Michigan Girl
I think the suicides and violence are less to do with head trauma and more to do with the steroids they take. Roid rage. Such a sad story, after rising to such heights that many boys would have dreamed of, to end it, the way he did in front of his coach and GM, is awful. And Reeses Pieces, my sympathy to you on your loss. My son lives in Michigan (Saginaw) while playing hockey there. Auburn Hills is lovely, we were there several times on hockey tournaments.
ReplyDeleteNew Life and Attitude -- please let your name be more than just that. Suicide really is a permanent solution to a temporary problem, take care.
Reeses, my thoughts are with you and also with you New Life. Big hug from Australia. Hope you find some beauty in the world every day.
ReplyDeleteThank you, everyone! <3
ReplyDeleteNew Life...thank you and I am so sorry for your loss. I recall reading you're newly sober? I'm just about 5 years clean and sober (Jan. 10)...I'm so very proud of you!!
Hugs to all. <3
Thanks. And I have almost 4 years clean. Great job and early birthday wishes to you.
DeleteSorry Reeses, I always read your name as Pieces, not Peace -- guess it's 'cause I eat so much of the real thing. Congrats on your sobriety. It is amazing to me that people are able to kick addiction, which I truly believe is a terrible disease. Celebs with all the money in the world for rehab can't do it, so you should be very proud of yourself that you have been able to. Stay strong.
ReplyDeleteIn reference to people hvng injuries that dont show up in tests: my daughter sprained her ankle very badly 22 yrs ago. It has always bothered her. Recently it was acting up again so she had mri which showed water in her bone. . Dr says thus us something brand new they are finding, dont know why it happens or what to do for it. A friends mother banged her head badly on a subway many years ago when it stopped short, and this woman has had mental issues ever since, but nothing shows up on tests. The point is, damage may hv been done, but we arent able to test for or look for it.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't be so worried about the kid now that the Chiefs have set up a trust fund.
ReplyDeleteI grew up without my parents and I turned out just fine.
Now if you'll excuse me, it's time for my daily drink vodka and cry in the bathtub hour.
Reeses I'm sorry for your loss. I live Downriver (Southgate to be exact). I would be willing to go pay tribute to your friend if you are interested... please let me know and we can exchange email addy's..
ReplyDeleteAmy...thank you. My sis went down there...she knew him, too. I thank you so much. <3
ReplyDeleteSorry. I have tears in my eyes at your generous offer. Sometimes text isn't very good at conveying how one feels.
Your welcome. If you do need anything let me know. Ill be near A2 tomorrow too - I go to Eastern lol. Sorry again for your loss
ReplyDeletehttp://kittybarber.wordpress.com/2012/12/03/273/
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