On Saturday Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Jovan Belcher allegedly killed his girlfriend and shortly after went to Arrowhead Stadium where he later took his own life.
“That’s his safe place. That was his home,” sports psychologist Doug Gardner told A.J.Perez of Fox Sports. “When people are in situations where they are shaken and under stress, they often end up places where they are familiar.” Perez in his article highlighted the psychological trauma the players like Belcher face as well as the struggle his teammates now face in dealing with the loss of a friend who is also suspected of murder.
“You usually allow people time to talk about the person’s life and share stories,” Gardner said. “You want to honor them. You aren’t going to be able to do that. This is a very difficult situation. There may be some symbolic gestures to honor him, but even that’s a difficult decision. You are never going to get around the fact he murdered somebody. The players are going to be conflicted.”
The Chiefs reported that during today’s game against the Jags there will be no helmet decal or uniform patch, given the circumstances and the events that shortly followed.
“The stadium is usually a refuge where you can put your mind off something like this for two or three hours,” Gardner said. “The players can’t do that here,” because the suicide took place so close to the stadium.
“We will work to ensure that the appropriate counseling resources are available to all members of the organization,” the Chiefs said in its statement.
The NFL Players Association has also reached out to the Chiefs and its statement said, “We are deeply saddened by the events today, and we have been in touch with the Kansas City Chiefs players. We offer our sincerest condolences to the families affected.”
The NFL issued a statement reading, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Chiefs and the families and friends of those who lost their lives in this terrible tragedy. We have connected the Chiefs with our national team of professional counselors to support both the team and the families of those affected. We will continue to provide assistance in any way that we can.”
Early this year another NFL player, Tennessee Titans receiver O.J. Murdock, took his own life in front of the Tampa high school he attended. In May, retired player and football legend Junior Seau ended his life by shooting himself in the chest. His suicide elevated concerns over the long term effects of repeated head injuries on the mental health and other complications NFL players have suffered.
Belcher while not having an extensive injury record was listed as having a head injury on a report from Nov. 11, 2009. He returned to play four days after the injury.
