Although full details have yet to be released, TMZ.com is reporting that former San Diego Chargers, Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots linebacker Junior Seau is dead following an apparent shooting at his Oceanside, Calif. home.
Kristina Davis of UTSanDiego.com is reporting that Oceanside police received a call reporting a possible suicide at 1 p.m. ET. Investigations are still ongoing, however. According to a North County Times report, Seau was found dead of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to his chest.
The Seau death comes on the same day that NFL commissioner, Roger Goodell, handed out suspensions for the New Orleans Saints players who were involved in the team’s bounty program. Seau’s death is another heavy dose of bad news for the NFL, just days after its annual collegiate draft.
Early reports suggest that Seau, 43, shot himself in the chest. This will inevitably lead to comparisons of his act with that of former Chicago Bears cornerback, Dave Duerson, who in 2011 shot himself in the chest so that medical examiners could study his brain. The studies showed brain damage attributed to Duerson’s football career.
Scott Bair of the North County Times is reporting that Seau committed suicide as well. Additionally, USA Today is reporting that Seau has died, although it still has yet to be officially confirmed by law enforcement or medical personnel. Seau was 43 years old, was a 12-time Pro Bowler during his NFL career and was named to the NFL's All-Decade team for the 1990's. If reports are true, he leaves behind three children as well as an ex-wife.