Junior Seau Dead

[RedSnapper]

The tragedy is so obvious that it almost feels trite to say it.  I've lost a loved one to suicide before.  It is a terrible thing to suffer.  One may feel bitterness toward the deceased, but we cannot know the nature or severity of the suffering and/or mental illness that led him to make such an extreme decision.  So I think some sympathy and empathy there is also appropriate. 

I am a little surprised at what a circus the efforts to study his brain has become.  First of all, the initial group that wanted to do it made public statements about it, which I find unprofessional and inappropriate.  The family has since pulled back, and it looks like there is a second group that may be interested in conducting the study.  I say looks like, because the second group's representatives would neither confirm nor deny their interest in doing so.  Had the first group conducted themselves that way, this thing would probably be done.  I'm sure they will ultimately allow someone to study Junior's brain.  They want to make sure they make the right decision, and I don't blame them a bit. 

[H-Town Husker]

I think it's a bit of a knee jerk reaction for everyone to blame this on concussions.  They could be the cause, but I also think some credence should go to being a celebrity, and a football star, to a guy who used to play football.  It's hard to step away from the game, and be a guy who "used to be a football player" especially when you were considered a great football player.  The when your identity is tied to your job and you become jobless, it can be a very tough pill to swallow, especially if it's been your identity for your entire adult life. 

[bowz]

Didn't Seau have a pinched nerve in his arm for a season or two that he played through?  I wonder if he had pain management issues.