Dave Duerson. Junior Seau. OJ Murdock. Jovan Belcher.
All of them were star football players, and they all committed suicide.
Belcher’s story is disturbing. According to reports, the Kansas City Chief linebacker shot and killed his girlfriend (and mother of his 3-month-old child) in front of his mother during an argument. Then he drove to his practice field and shot himself in front of head coach Romeo Crennel and general manager Scott Pioli.
Friends and family were shocked by the incident, saying that it seemed very out of character for Belcher. Huffington Post reports that he studied child development and family relationships in college, and he joined the group Male Athletes Against Violence.
CONCUSSIONS, MEMORY LOSS, ALCOHOLISM
Reports suggest that a traumatic brain injury (TBI) may have influenced his mood. Belcher was recovering from a possible concussion, and his teammates said that he had shown signs of short-term memory loss. TBIs can alter brain chemicals that regulate emotional states, sometimes resulting in depression, substance abuse and suicidal thoughts. His friends said that in the weeks leading up to his death, Belcher was drinking heavily and possibly abusing prescription drugs.
We are shocked and saddened by this tragic story. As we have discussed before, there are severe emotional brain injury side effects that can fundamentally change the victim’s personality. If you know someone suffering from the long-term effects of a traumatic brain injury, we can help you figure out what to do next. Call our office to set up a free consultation at (615) 845-6141.
“But seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” – Matthew 6:33