Disturbingly Sad Passing.

Hello and Happy Thursday everyone.

Normally when blogging about the events of the day I do so with the zest of an animal about to pounce upon its prey and happily pass the kill to you my immediate family. Yesterday there indeed was much to masticate upon. A no-hitter in Anaheim. Great playoff hockey with the Kings and the Coyotes. Record suspensions handed down in the wake of 'Bountygate'. Even a remembrance of a streak that ended 75 years ago. This post will focus on none of those as no one was prepared for the top news story of the day.

Junior Seau dead of an apparent gunshot wound to the chest. No note but all signs appear to suicide. You talk about persons who were warriors in battle on and off the field.

I never saw this coming.

Anger, shock, and sadness filled the NFL world and the communities of Oceanside and San Diego proper. Seau was 43 years young. 

My initial gut response is that the family will allow for a medical examiner to look at Juniors head for symptoms of CTE. There will also be discussions about post career depression. For many athletes the adjustment to normal life, to just being like everyone else is a tough transition to make.

In some cases you hear stories about players who never got past the notion of never playing again without the sound of cheering at all times for a job well done.

We all watched proudly last November 27th 2011 as Junior was honored during a Chargers game. He looked to be all smiles. But was he really? One cannot help but wonder if that cliff accident with vehicle in 2010 was an accident or a suicide attempt. We may never know.

What is known is that the NFL may have more than media spin to contend with if the autopsy findings fall in line with what Dave Duerson and other athletes have dealt with. The irony of all this is that Duerson pulled a trigger on his own chest exactly as Junior did. Duerson left behind a note asking that his brain be studied for data and information. 

In time there will be many angles friends, family and the media will take with this suicide. Our thoughts of course shall go to the immediate family of Junior's. Another thought to ponder: When somebody says they are okay when you ask and you have doubts, how do you combat that?

Will we see a day in the NFL where counselors are on hand to help deal with the realities of life after football for athletes about to retire or leave the game due to injury? It is alas a thought. Junior Seau the athlete was beyond iconic. Junior the person perhaps was still finding himself after 43 years. May he be in a better place.

Over and out in Big D.

Mr. Will