The 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 Hydorn (@DEverettHydorn) December 1, 2012
https://twitter.com/AJSkov/status/274951590492897280
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 1, 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 1, 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
— |`'|@++!€ (@PorcelainPrinc) December 1, 2012
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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 (@BrettLawsonLV) December 1, 2012
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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.
— rmt2295 (@rmt834) December 1, 2012
https://twitter.com/sportsmediaLM/status/274974504336379906
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 1, 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 1, 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 1, 2012
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