Steve McNair Found Dead, Details Unclear

Former NFL quarterback Steve McNair (Houston Oilers, Tennessee Titans, Baltimore Ravens) was found dead yesterday with multiple gunshot wounds, including one to his head. Police said a pistol was discovered near the body of a woman, identified as as 20-year-old Sahel Kazemi, who was also shot and killed in a downtown condominium. Steve was found on the sofa in the living room and Ms. Kazemi was very close to him on the floor.

Steve McNair, 1973-2009 / Image: Zuma Press

Titans owner Bud Adams released the following statement upon hearing the news:

“We are saddened and shocked to hear the news of Steve McNair’s passing today. He was one of the finest players to play for our organization and one of the most beloved players by our fans. He played with unquestioned heart and leadership and led us to places that we had never reached, including our only Super Bowl. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family as they deal with his untimely passing.”

Police said an autopsy would be performed today that would begin to make sense of exactly what happened yesterday. But as disturbing and sad as the news is in itself, the details—which are still unclear—are beginning to take shape in various media reports. CNN claimed Kazemi was Steve’s girlfriend. The Nashville City Paper reported that Steve’s murder was preceded by a warning that he would be killed. And now The Tennessean is calling the incident an apparent murder-suicide.

Sources: NFL.com, TitansOnline.com