Over 15 NFL players have committed suicide in the past 25 years. Today, another player has been added to that list, Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Jovan Belcher.
According to Kansas City’s KCTV, around 7:30 on Nov. 30, Belcher got into a heated argument with his girlfriend that ended tragically in a murder-suicide. Belcher allegedly killed his girlfriend and then drove to the Arrowhead practice facility where he committed suicide.
Michael Current, Ryan Easterling, and Hall of Famer Junior Seau have also committed suicide in 2012.
The reason for the argument between Belcher and his girlfriend remains unknown.
Belcher played at Maine University where he was awarded with being the first-team All American. Belcher went undrafted, but then was picked up by the Chiefs. Belcher helped the struggling Kansas City defense while on the team. Missing one game this season, Belcher tackled his way through. The Chiefs have lost a valuable key asset to this defense.
In a statement posted to the Kansas City Chiefs’ website, chairman and CEO Clark Hunt said, “The entire Chiefs family is deeply saddened by today’s events, and our collective hearts are heavy with sympathy, thoughts and prayers for the families and friends affected by this unthinkable tragedy.”
The NFL has also decided to schedule the Panthers to play in Kansas City this Sunday.