We were all shocked to learn Saturday of the murder-suicide that was committed by Kansas City Chiefs Jovan Belcher. Belcher reportedly kissed his live-in girlfriend on the forehead and apologized to her and their baby daughter right before shooting her. He then left his daughter at home with his mother who was visiting and went to Arrowhead Stadium where he took his own life right in front of head coach Romeo Crennel and General Manager Scott Pioli. Both of who tried to convince him to drop his gun. Many believe he took his own life as he saw no other way out of what he had done to his baby’s mother. He stepped out of his car with the gun pointed at his head and confessed that he had killed her. Police believe that an alcohol fueled argument the night before may have led to the tragic events.

We may never know what really happened to cause Belcher to do such an inconceivable thing, but researchers just released the conclusion of a study of 34 NFL players that were found to have degenerative brain disease brought on by repeated hits to the head. There were a total of 85 brains donated by athletes and veterans to provide research. The disease was found in 68 of them, 34 played professional football, nine played in college and 6 played in high school. Definitely something that the NFL can’t take lightly. Especially when you pay attention to the amount of players getting concussions seemingly every week!

By: Cathi Coppinger