Chiefs linebacker Javon Belcher fatally shot his girlfriend early Saturday, then drove to Arrowhead Stadium and committed suicide in front of Chiefs general manager Scott Pioli and head coach Romeo Crennel. According to a police spokesman, Belcher thanked his coach and general manager for all they had done for him before turning the gun on himself.
Belcher, 25, was an undrafted player out of Maine and was in his fourth season in the NFL, all with the Chiefs. The native of West Babylon, N.Y., on Long Island had played in all 11 games this season.
In a statement, Chiefs chairman and CEO Clark Hunt said, "The entire Chiefs family is deeply saddened by today's events, and our collective hearts are heavy with sympathy, thoughts and prayers for the families and friends affected by this unthinkable tragedy. We sincerely appreciate the expressions of sympathy and support we have received from so many in the Kansas City and NFL communities, and ask for continued prayers for the loved ones of those impacted. We will continue to fully cooperate with the authorities and work to ensure that the appropriate counseling resources are available to all members of the organization."
The Chiefs are scheduled to host the Panthers at Arrowhead Stadium Sunday at 1 p.m. and the NFL has said that the game will go on as scheduled.
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