Former QB McNair Found Dead

NFL News - July 5, 2009 - Written by Bruce

Former NFL QB Steve McNair was found dead Saturday with multiple gunshot wounds. Nashville police said a pistol was found near the body of a woman who also shot dead. The two were both found in a downtown Nashville condominium. McNair had been shot in the head and was found lying on the sofa in the living room. The bodies were found by the longtime friend of McNair, Wayne Neeley, who had been renting the condo with the NFL player. According to police, the woman was 36 year old Sahel Kazemi who was found very close to him on the floor. Nashville police spokesman Don Aaron called Kazemi a "friend" of McNair's. A witness told Police he saw McNair arrive at the condo between 1:30 and 2:00 a.m. Saturday with Kazemi's car already being there.

McNair met Kazemi at the Nashville restaurant Dave and Buster's where she worked. He and his family used to visit the restaurant quite a bit. Police said the wife of Steve Mcnair, Mechelle, was "very distraught". Two days before the incident Nashville police had arrested Kazemi on a DUI charge while driving a 2007 Escalade which was registered to both her and McNair. Steve was in the front seat and allowed to leave by taxi because he was not breaking the law. The arrest affidavit said Kazemi refused a breathalyzer test even though she smelled of alcohol saying "she was not drunk, she was high". The older brother of Steve McNair, Fred, said of his younger brother, "He was the greatest person in the world. He gave back to the community. He loved kids and he wanted to be a role model to kids." The older brother told police he did not who Kazemi was. The investigation is ongoing and police stated that nothing has been ruled out.

McNair famously led the Tennenssee Titans to within one yard of forcing overtime in the 2000 Super Bowl. He was a 3 time Pro Bowl selection and finished his career with 31,304 passing yards and 174 touchdowns. He retired as a Baltimore Raven in April of 2008. Two years earlier he led them to a 13-3 record and played in all 16 games. McNair was known being a very physical Quarterback and played through injuries for many years. Ultimately these injuries are what led to his retirement. At the end of the 2002 season he was so injured he was unable to practice for a five game stretch. He started all of those games and went 5-0 then led the Titans to their 2nd AFC Chamionship game in four years. He was beloved by players all over the league and was respected for being a fierce competitor. Former Raven's teammate Derrick Mason stated that "I have never known a better teammate." Dozens of players have spoken out and said nice words about McNair. He touched many people in the league and will always be remembered as a kind person with an incredible competitive spirit. We will have to wait for the investigation to continue before more details about what happened can be answered.