So let the Jovan Belcher concussion talk start. Now.
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Christian in Boston (@Christian01876) December 01, 2012The alleged murder/suicide involving Kansas City Chief Jovan Belcher earlier today has reignited the debate over traumatic head injuries and their possible link to suicides and violent behavior.
Though details are few at this point, Belcher’s story has echoes of that of professional wrestler Chris Benoit, who killed his wife and son in 2007 before taking his own life. Many have also suggested a link between the suicides of the NFL’s Andre Waters and Terry Long and unreported concussions sustained on the field.
first thought that went thru my head upon the Jovan Belcher murder/suicide was "wonder if he had concussion issues?" not good for NFL if so—
Don (@MrMuddymind) December 01, 2012
My first thought. Will surely be explored. RT @broadcastDING: Concussion history? #belcher #chiefs—
Alex Skov (@AJSkov) December 01, 2012
FWIW, I don't know of any concussion history with Belcher. Hasn't been on injury report since groin week 1. Played every game of career.—
Sam Mellinger (@mellinger) December 01, 2012
Was Javon Belcher another case of football head injury dementia? I hope not. Those tragedies are turning me off of the game. Barbaric.—
Jordan Zakarin (@jordanzakarin) December 01, 2012
Damn shame in Kansas City. Hope Javon Belcher wasn't a repeated concussion victim that lost it.. Coulda been avoided? Don't know the facts—
Pale Pioneer (@PorcelainPrinc) December 01, 2012
Related or not, unless you're informed on today's NFL concussion issue, don't even think about offering any strong opinions on Javon Belcher—
Andrew Chael (@andrew_chael) December 01, 2012
not an excuse, but i'll be interested to see Belcher's concussion history. tragedy for the families and young child.—
Growler (@growler130) December 01, 2012
What happened today with Javon Belcher just shows how much damage a concussion does to your brain. R.I.P to him and his Girlfriend—
Gerri™ (@GerriJoanisse) December 01, 2012
The sad thing is this can be linked to concussion like the Benoit incident 5 yrs ago.Jovan Belcher could've been mentally unstable for years—
Brett Lawson (@ObeyTheLaw__Son) December 01, 2012
Interested to see if Belcher had suffered from concussion-related brain damage… An incident like this could change the game forever—
Taylor Weston (@THE_REAL_WESTON) December 01, 2012
If it turns out Belcher's brain suffered from post-concussion damage the #NFL has a full-fledged crisis on its hands.—
Zachary Hutchins (@Z_Hutch) December 01, 2012
The only good thing that can come from Jovan Belcher is concussion sensors in the helmets of all players, immediately, without exceptions.—
Richard Soderberg (@floatingatoll) December 01, 2012
While some are nearly certain head injuries had some contribution to the incident, others call foul on the theory.
I am sure the ridiculous "concussion" argument will come into play w/ regards to the Belcher murder-suicide. Don't fall for that trap.—
Ian T (@rmt834) December 01, 2012
Think I will dial out of radio this week if this Belcher stuff is going to invite CTE/Concussion Gate. I refuse to live in a myth—
SN0W_BLACK (@sportsmediaLM) December 01, 2012
Kansas City Star sports columnist Sam Mellinger observes that murder/suicides are a much more common occurrence than this high-profile case would lead one to suspect.
Jovan Belcher killed Kassandra Perkins and himself in one of an estimated 600 murder-suicide events per year in USA. That's 12 per week.—
Sam Mellinger (@mellinger) December 01, 2012
Whatever the long-term impact on football, word is that tomorrow’s scheduled game between the Chiefs and Panthers will go on.
League source says #Chiefs CEO Clark Hunt & Chiefs' players (captains) were in favor of playing tomorrow, so Commish decided game will go on—
Jeff Rosen (@jeff_rosen88) December 01, 2012
Another thing the #NFL source told me: whether, & how, the #Chiefs observe the tragedy tomorrow is entirely up to them. What's appropriate?—
Jeff Rosen (@jeff_rosen88) December 01, 2012