The Demise of Steve MCNair

The first few weeks of July are traditionally the slowest news period of the year for the NFL. Rosters are being tweaked with he signing of draft choices and free agents. Otherwise, there is not much going on.

The murder-suicide of Steve McNair and his girlfriend was a story that jumped from the pages. The former QB of the Tennessee Titans was found dead in his Nashville condo along with his 20 year old accomplice.

As police investigated, a clearer picture began to emerge. McNair was married and the father of four sons. After he retired, he opened a restaurant in Nashville, where he was viewed as a local icon. He met his girlfriend, Sahel Kazemi, at another restaurant where he often dined with his wife and family.

McNair had allegedly told friends that he would be divorcing his wife and moving in with Kazemi. Two days before their deaths, Kazemi was stopped by Nashville police for DUI in a car owned by McNair, who was also a passenger.

McNair,who was not arrested, put up bail money to gain the release of his girlfriend. It was also on this day that Kazemi purchased the weapon used in the shootings.

In the early morning hours of Saturday, July 4, McNair returned to the condo after a night out on the town. Kazemi was already there. What transpired is unknown, but the facts show that McNair was shot twice in the head and chest. Kazemi was found with a single gun shot wound to her head. No signs of forced entry or robbery. Everything points to an apparent case of murder-suicide.

McNair was known for his charitable work and was considered a model teammate by players and coaches. He was very popular in Nashville where he played his entire career for the Titans and former Houston Oilers.