", Police announced the ruling after what they called "nearly four days of intensive investigation.". Next Thursday marks the 10th anniversary of the death of legendary Alcorn State quarterback Steve McNair. He had something written down a script. Gaddy, who did not immediately return a text message to his cell phone from The Associated Press on Wednesday, said the McNairs' Nashville home was on the market because they were looking for a new house. Steve flew down to support Fred in his season-opening debut. And all of them for free, Williams said. According to authorities, the murder-suicide capped 48 hours that began with Kazemi's arrest for DUI around 2:30 a.m. two days before the shooting. 1:47 p.m.: Neeley leaves the scene and contacts General Sessions Judge Casey Moreland, whom he has known for 15 years,to inform him about the bodies. Thats the side that opened the door for a young, unsettled mistress to enter his life. Much is given, much is required that's kind of the motto that they live by.". Friday night, Kazemi left the restaurant early, about 10pm, and she drove to McNair's condominium to await his return. Aaron said Neeley told authorities he went into the condo, saw McNair on the sofa and Kazemi on the floor but walked first into the kitchen before going back into the living room, where he saw the blood. What you saw . It has to be consistent and accurate leading up to the shooting, or you may not have a murder-suicide. McNair's tragic death in 2009. You're a play away, a year away -- a situation away -- from it being over.". After shooting McNair in the head, Kazemi apparently shot him twice in the chest before shooting him again in the head and then shooting herself. Aaron said the gun was not "readily apparent" when police first arrived. "Everything has to fit. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. You're in disbelief that even what you're hearing and how it happened, happened.". . Despite the lower level of competition played there, the Houston Oilers thought enough about McNairs strong arm and athleticism to make him the third overall pick in the 1995 NFL draft. He got up and came back to the huddle to 10 other stunned teammates. "(She was) very positive happy and upbeat all the time," former Kazemi boyfriend Keith Norfleet, observed to CBS News. He made at least $90 million in salary over his 13-year career with the Houston Oilers. "We don't know the details, but it is a terrible tragedy and our hearts go out to the families involved," NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. McNair spent the night withIgnagni on July 2, two nights beforeKazemi killedhim, according to police and court documents. McNair began his career in 1995 with the Houston Oilers, who eventually became the Titans, and finished with 31,304 yards passing and 174 touchdowns. "He established his business in the heart of the black community over at TSU to have a strong and powerful impact,"former Titans running back Eddie George said. Sahel "Jenni" Kazemi shot and killedMcNair before turning the gun on herself on July 4, 2009, the Metro Nashville Police Departmentconcluded. As Tennessee was driving, McNair dove over a pile and was drilled. Gaddy later said what he saw would haunt him every day for the rest of his life. 1:14 a.m.: Kazemi places a call to McNair. Steve McNair was a highlight reel quarterback for the Tennessee TitansWhi. The pain was turned up a notch for two of McNairs sons who said they were not invited to their fathers jersey-retirement ceremony last year. She wouldn't have hurt anyone.". Hepicks up a friend and the two hang out at his apartment. That's why his former coach, Jeff Fisher, nearly cried Monday when saying McNair, at this time, would ask for forgiveness. 12:51 p.m.: Neeley contacts Robert Gaddy to inform him hes found someone shot inside the condo and didnt recognize who it was. "When Steve started holding his camps, nobody else was doing a whole lot of them," saidMitchell Williams, a Mississippi sports anchor who was close to McNair. 10:55 p.m.-10:58p.m.: Kazemis home computer is used. NASHVILLE Friends of Steve McNair say everything seemed normal. It seems that no matter how many ways you look at McNair's life or his death, it's hard to recall everything he did knowing that there was still so much he could have done. Even though he left no will, Steve McNairs entire immediate family has been provided for under instructions the slain former NFL quarterback left before his death, his agent said. You be the judge. Appreciate what you have every year. All rights reserved. -- Even though he left no will, Steve McNair's. entire immediate family has been provided for under instructions the slain former NFL quarterback left before his death, his agent . He was 36. But police in Nashville, Tennessee said yesterday that they believe the death of Steve McNair, a quarterback who helped his side muscle into the Super Bowl nine years ago, was the result of an . I was holding my breath and hoping it wasn't true. McNair played all 16 games in 2006, his first season in Baltimore, and guided the Ravens to a 13-3 record. He was named co-MVP with Peyton Manning in 2003. Too late for that. 9:16 p.m.: Kazemi receives a call from Gilliam. I try to support my brother as much as I can, and I had a chance to come here and spend time with him, McNair said. Instead, he was murdered on July 4, 2009, at age 36 by his alleged mistress. Beckett provides you latest pricing on 1999 Stadium Club Chrome #26 Steve McNair. Death. April 11, 2020 8:28 am ET. Complaint Number: 2009-527875. Final Season Stats. Even after an ugly split with the Titans resulted in McNair being traded to the Baltimore Ravens in 2006, he returned to Nashville when he retired after the 2007 season. Mechelle McNair, who has not spoken publicly since the shooting, has been described by people close to her as being very upset and distraught. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) Former NFL quarterback Steve McNair and a woman were found shot to death Saturday inside a residence in Nashville, police said. "I am deeply saddened to learn of today's tragic news regarding the death of Steve McNair. There was Leah Ignagni, a 25-year-old withwhom McNair hada relationship with while being involved with Kazemi. Posted July 9, 2009. Crimesider: Was Steve McNair Murder Investigation Flawed? "From that point on, there wasn't a player who was coming off the field unless it was on a stretcher," George said. Nashville police spokesman Don Aaron says, "The gun was purchased Thursday evening, after the traffic stop, after the DUI arrest.". "I can't even wrap my arms around it. SEC Men's Basketball Tournament 2023 bracket, schedule, TV info, Sahel "Jenni" Kazemi shot and killedMcNair, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. That reality, on top of McNair being gone, won't make moving on any easier for his family, especially his children, who, by all accounts, were the most important things in his life. He played sparingly the first two seasons, and naturally fans wanted to know why. Steve McNair was born on Valentine's Day, and he died on the Fourth of July. "He put this organization on the map here in Tennessee," Fisher said of McNair. He was booed. Shocking, Mason said. Nashville police spokesman Don Aaron confirme Stephen LaTreal McNair (February 14, 1973 - July 4, 2009), [2] nicknamed " Air McNair ", [3] [4] was an American professional football player who was a quarterback in the National Football League (NFL) for 13 seasons, primarily with the Houston / Tennessee Oilers / Titans franchise. 1:51 p.m.: Neeley calls Moreland again. 6:54 a.m.: Norfleet hears banging on his apartment door. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. 2:04 a.m. McNair to Kazemi: I love u baby, 2:09 a.m. Kazemi to McNair: Im gonna have all of u soon. He also played for the Baltimore Ravens before retiring in April 2008. "You couldn't script a better day for him throwing the football," NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah said. . During his 11 years with the team, McNair made three Pro Bowls. Bucky Brooks, Rhett Lewis and Lance Zierlein are back with a new episode of Move the Sticks live from the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine. Steve McNair, in full Steve LaTreal McNair, byname Air McNair, (born February 14, 1973, Mount Olive, Mississippi, U.S.died July 4, 2009, Nashville, Tennessee), American gridiron football player who threw 174 touchdown passes during his 13 National Football League (NFL) seasons (1995-2008), primarily while playing for the Tennessee Titans. October 19, 2009 / 8:13 AM 6:24 and 6:25 p.m.: Kazemi places two calls to Gilliam. She was found dead near the body of former professional football quarterback Steve McNair, 36, in his Nashville condominium. He was probably searching for something. The two return to Corner Pub. Steven and Steve Jr. and McNairs sons from previous relationships. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) Former NFL quarterback Steve McNair and a woman were found shot to death Saturday inside a residence in Nashville, police said. So everybodys going to be fine, everythings going to be good, and theres no disagreements between anybody.. XFL Week 3 preview: Can AJ McCarron, Battlehawks continue their fourth-quarter heroics? The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. The couple also had two children Tyler James McNair and Trenton Jon McNair. His body was found, along with that of his alleged girlfriend, at a home he shared with her. Moreland tells him for the second time to return to the scene and tell officers everything. McNair listed herself and her children as direct heirs, then listed the quarterbacks other children elsewhere in the filing since the court had no immediate proof the children were legally Steve McNairs. Obituary. The Guardian described the football player's tragic untimely demise as "a very modern love story." McNair was found dead in his apartment in Nashville, Tennessee, on July 4, 2009. He is one of the best players in the NFL over the last 20 years.". But interviews with friends revealed that she was making payments on two cars, her rent was doubling and she suspected the married McNair was having a second affair with another young woman. "He seemed to almost enjoy the pain.". Yet, Keteyian points out, police implied the DUI arrest fueled Kazemi's anger, triggering her purchase of the gun. October 19, 2009 / 8:13 AM / CBS. Time unknown: Kazemi and co-worker/friend Roosevelt Glass discussplansto see the fireworks on July 4 together and her DUI. The Houston Oilers selected him third overall in the 1995 NFL Draft, making him the highest drafted Black quarterback in NFL history at the time. According to an arrest affidavit, Kazemi had bloodshot eyes and alcohol on her breath. The Metro Nashville Police Department ruled it a murder-suicide with Kazemi as the perpetrator. Kazemi later tells him that she was the one knocking on the door. For many, the pain still lingers and will never go away. 9-9:30 p.m.: FriendDoug Crowe talks to McNair, who tells him hed been fishing all day and was going to shower before meeting up with Crowe and his girlfriend. Yet, it was McNair the football player who has made us pay attention to all this. Ex-Kazemi boyfriend Norfleet, who lived with Kazemi for three years told Keteyian that, as far as he knows, Kazemi has "never" possessed a gun, or had a desire to. She told a friend on Friday that "My life is a ball of s- and I should end it," Serpas said. The body of a young woman nearly half his age his mistress, Sahel Kazemi was found along with him. She was 20. A funeral service will be held Saturday in Mississippi. Mac never said anything to me about he was going to get a divorce, and ever since this has all happened everybody is trying to paint a certain picture and they need to talk about what they know," Gaddy told the newspaper. Steve McNair, a Mississippi native who starred at Alcorn State University and became a Heisman Trophy candidate, died on July 4, 2009. . Then again, it feels even weirder that McNair's story already has an ending. Not exactly related to the Super Bowl (although he was in one). They reached out to the Titans, who said McNairs widow Mechelle was in charge of the invitations. 6 p.m.: Norfleet starts his shift at White Castle. 1:39 p.m.: The first officer arrives at the scene. 8:30 AM Once a Titan, always a Titan. McNair was no dummy, and he learned just fine. Nashville cops confirmed that Steve McNair, 36, was killed by four bullets fired at close range, two of which hit him in the head, and ruled his death a homicide. Kazemi's family told reporters that the woman was so confident McNair was divorcing his wife of 12 years that she was preparing to sell her furniture and move in with him. 9:23 p.m.: Kazemi returns from her lunch break. will be showcased in each installment. During a five-game stretch at the end of the 2002 season, McNair was so bruised he couldn't practice. 8:34 p.m.: Norfleet and Kazemi exchange text messages while he is at work. And then obviously stuff started to come out and whatnot, but still. In the July 8 news conference, Serpas said, "She had become very distraught unraveling messed up She was spinning out of control.". Former coach Nevil Barr remembers him showing up for "a pretty good amount" of football games at Oak Grove High just outsideHattiesburg, Mississippi, where McNair's eldest son, Steve Jr., played wide receiver and defensive back. Here's everything we know, The paths of KD and Kyrie: How one month changed three franchises and two superstar legacies, From bubble struggles to NCAA seed improvement, why these final weekend games matter, Transfer Talk: Barcelona circling as Man City tell Silva he can leave, Foden's return to form helps mask De Bruyne's troubles, Nelson sends Arsenal into euphoria with last-gasp winner over Bournemouth. There are a bunch of tragic stories of famous players and entertainers. He was a player who I admired a great deal," said New England Patriots senior football adviser Floyd Reese, who was GM of the Titans when McNair played for them. On July 4, 2009, at 1:35 p.m., a 911 call was placed to the Emergency Communications . Mechelle McNair tended his numerous injuries at home, changing bandages and even helping with intravenous fluids in 2001 when her husband needed I.V. The Spartans held Union Grove to 17 points in the first half as the Broncos finished with a postseason low of 51 points. 3 p.m.: Kazemi texts McNair about her bills. NHL trade deadline: Winners and losers, including the Bruins, Devils and Bruce Boudreau? I met McNair on May 27, 2000, when big brother Fred McNair and the original Air McNair by the way signed with the Carolina Cobras of the Arena Football League. LORMAN, Miss. According to The Tennessean, McNairs friend Wayne Neely, who rented the condo with him, found McNair and then called his friend Robert Gaddy, who called the police. McFarland's Aidan Chislom is one of seven seniors for the Spartans. "He was probably searching for something. NASHVILLE, Tenn. Former NFL star Steve McNair was shot dead in his sleep last week by a 20-year-old girlfriend distraught about mounting financial problems and her belief that he was seeing someone else, police said Wednesday. After his retirement, McNair prioritized makingtime for his four sons. Time unknown: Steve McNair goes fishing in Hendersonville. McNair, 36, was among the best football quarterbacks of his era, an African-American excelling in a position typically dominated by whites. #truecrime #truecrimedocumentary #nflTen years ago, former Tennessee Titans quarterback Steve McNair was found dead in his downtown condo along with his girl. "My thing, what I would say to this new generation or this new group coming in, respect and appreciate what you have now because you never know," Dyson said. But associate Mike Mu, who has worked with McNair's charitable association for years, said McNair's wife, Mechelle McNair, "didn't know who this girl is." And, truth be told, didnt want to. More Stats. She had failed to sell her other car and McNair had apparently saddled her with monthly payments on the Cadillac. !function(e,t,n,a,s,c,i){if(!e[s]){i=e[s]=function(){i.process?i.process.apply(i,arguments):i.queue.push(arguments)},i.queue=[],i.t=1*new Date;var o=t.createElement(n);o.async=1,o.src=a+"?t="+Math.ceil(new Date/c)*c;var r=t.getElementsByTagName(n)[0];r.parentNode.insertBefore(o,r)}}(window,document,"script","https://navi.lawmatics.com/intake.min.js","lm_intake",864e5),lm_intake("51d8f502-c645-43c3-8d38-adc7be82724d", "subme02"); !function(e,t,n,a,s,c,i){if(!e[s]){i=e[s]=function(){i.process?i.process.apply(i,arguments):i.queue.push(arguments)},i.queue=[],i.t=1*new Date;var o=t.createElement(n);o.async=1,o.src=a+"?t="+Math.ceil(new Date/c)*c;var r=t.getElementsByTagName(n)[0];r.parentNode.insertBefore(o,r)}}(window,document,"script","https://navi.lawmatics.com/intake.min.js","lm_intake",864e5),lm_intake("51d8f502-c645-43c3-8d38-adc7be82724d", "subme3"); Copyright 2020 Legacy Planning Law Group. 10:30 p.m.: McNair returns to Ignagnis apartment to spend the night. Published Thursday, February 16, 2023. by Bonitta Best. A faithful man. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Ten years later, those close . The Philadelphia Eagles won the Super Bowl 2018 against the New England Patriots with a score of 41-33. Steve McNair's death still hurts 14 years later. "I don't think Jenny shot Steve McNair. Some are fortunate enough to play 13 years like Steve McNair. But he injured his groin during the season opener last season and never regained the form that put him in those Pro Bowls. Its function was simply to serve asa place away from family, a sort of bachelor pad where he'd whisk young women away for quiet affairs. The officer arrests Kazemi on DUIcharges but lets Gordon and McNair catch a cab to leave. 2:03 a.m.: Kazemi and McNair exchange the following text messages. She doesnt hear from him again until the early hours of the morning. I asked a coach at an HBCU what adjustments were they talking about? "He was a tremendous leader and an absolute warrior. Kazemi clocks out at Dave & Buster's. Now, you young'uns might consider that ancient, but those of us 50 and older know that McNair, though retired from football, could still be living life to the fullest. 2023 www.tennessean.com. (Allen Kee via AP) 18 / 69. He was 36. Copyright 2023 Endgame360 Inc. All Rights Reserved. A community-oriented and generous leader of a man. "If you were going to draw a football player, the physical part, the mental part, everything about being a professional, he is your guy," former Ravens and Titans teammate Samari Rolle said. Kevin Dyson caught his 9-yard pass, but was tackled at the 1-yard line by the Rams' Mike Jones. More at The Tennessean including: "A Sunday morning autopsy revealed that McNair was shot four times - twice in the head, twice in the chest. In the lengthy conversation, McNair asks Kazemi if she spent the night at the condo, and Kazemi appears to panicover finances. After the shot, her body slid to the floor. Neeley then called another friend of McNair's, Robert Gaddy, who dialed 911 to alert authorities. McNair, a three-time Pro Bowler, led the Titans within a yard of forcing overtime in the 2000 Super Bowl, which they lost 23-16 to the St. Louis Rams. The Titans gave me their tickets and I let them know that I had them, Mechelle said via a telephone call to WJTV. She had found out about another one two nights earlier, sending her into a jealous rage. Just so touchable and approachable and always spending time with those campers," Williams said. 10:30 p.m.: Kazemi calls Polite and tells her shes going to McNairs condo. This series will look back on the Tennessee Titans franchise. Time unknown:Kazemi and friend Emily Andrews speak on the phone about Kazemi'sDUI arrest. "I think clearly this relationship and this part of his lifestyle not only being married but I guess the process of maybe getting a divorce and having affairs with different women and apparently over just these few days out nightclubbing a lot, drinking and partying and out late and all of this sort of thing those variables are where you would look (in tracing his downfall)," McCrary said. Lawrence Everett McNair, 91, of Greenville, passed away on Monday, August 22, 2022. Victim-Homicide: Steve L. McNair. I didnt want to touch him but I saw blood on my best friend and I was almost panicking myself. By 1997 he was the starter, and two years later, the Oilers-turned-Titans were headed to Super Bowl XXXIV. <p>The condominium where Steve McNair and a woman were found shot to death, center, is shown Saturday, July 4, 2009. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Former NFL quarterback Steve McNair's shooting death was a homicide, police said Sunday, but authorities stopped short of saying it was a murder-suicide committed by the 20-year-old . During this evolution, McNair struggled, running when he should have thrown, throwing when he should have ran. Paddy McNair of Middlesbrough in action against West Brom (Image: Steve Flynn/News Images) Group 28 Get the latest Boro stories straight to your inbox with our daily newsletter Police said a witness saw McNair arrive at the condo in the upscale Rutledge Hill neighborhood between 1:30 and 2 a.m. Saturday and that Kazemi's vehicle was already there. The shocking death of former NFL quarterback Steve McNair and infidelity among sports stars is the main topic of discussion among families of professional athletes. "Appreciate what you have because this is a very short window. But Fisher stuck with him, and McNair eventually prospered. 8:38 p.m.: Kazemi clocks out for her lunch break. The two were found dead by McNair's friends, Wayne Neeley and Robert Gaddy. The death of former NFL quarterback Steve McNair shocked people in Nashville and around the country. Last September, the Tennessee Titans retired the jersey numbers of both Steve McNair and Eddie George at halftime of their game against the Indianapolis Colts. Mechelle McNair has declined comment and an interview request through a publicist. She also purchased a gun. Steve McNair Net Worth: Steve McNair was an American football player who had a net worth of $26 Million. He loved kids and he wanted to be a role model to kids.". Advertisement. Seated on a sofa, McNair had been shot four times: twice in the chest, once in each side of his head. I don't think jenny shot herself," Lakresia Polite, who was a friend of Kazemi's, told CBS News. Just to realize that you know heywe never received a phone call and we never received an invite. Mechelle and Steve McNair have two sons, Tyler and Trenton, together. Former Titans quarterback McNair shot to death, UFC 285 live results and analysis: Jon Jones vs. Ciryl Gane, Morant to miss two games after video with gun, Las Vegas prepared to give A's 'better opportunity', Richardson sets QB mark for vertical, broad jump, Curry, Iguodala probable to return vs. Lakers, Sources: Suns hiring Pistons' Bartelstein as CEO, Mbappe breaks PSG's all-time scoring record, Bruins stroll past Kane, Rangers, win 10th in row, Horns' Robinson: Versatility worthy of early pick. "Steve Jr. always seemed to play exceptionally good when his dad was there," Barr recalled. . On the restaurant's windows were messages: "We will miss you Steve" and "We love you Steve. 1 p.m.: Kazemi arrives at Norfleet's apartment with a Subway sandwich. All indications are that it was a murder-suicide, but police are investigating all angles. Nashville police spokesman Don Aaron identified the woman as Sahel Kazemi, whom he called a "friend" of McNair's. She then killed herself. Police, however, say Kazemi simply lost it in the last week of her life -- stressed out over mounting bills and her relationship with McNair. 3 p.m.Kazemi: baby I wanna pay some of my bills b4 I go to wrk. Steve McNair died a senseless death at the hands of his girlfriend. I Want to Leave An Inheritance to My Child, But Not Their Spouse. Born in Inman, SC (but grew up in Calhoun Falls, SC), he was a son of the late Lawrence O. and Emma . He took over the job in 1997, the same year the team relocated to Tennessee to become the Tennessee Titans. They talk about McNair. 1:35 p.m.: Gaddy goes outside and calls 911. "This guy would give you the shirt off his back, so who would want to murder him the way they did? Associated Press. The Tribune is an independent newsroom free from commercial and political pressures. 10:45 p.m. Kazemi: k im going to the condo in a min. Azadeh Kazemi, Jenny's sister, told us, "She wasn't angry enough to do something like that. They are all in our thoughts and prayers," he said "What we admired most about Steve when we played against him was his competitive spirit, and we were lucky enough to have that with us for two years. Long nights out drinking? 2023 NFL Enterprises LLC. The Daily Grind Video. During that same stretch, Sahel "Jenni"Kazemi, one of the women with whom McNair was carrying ona romantic relationship, was arrested on DUI charges and was concerned about mounting financial debt. McNair had two children Steven L. McNair Jr. and Steven OBrian Koran McNair before marrying Mechelle McNair. But that changed in 1994, when my Sept. 26 issue of Sports Illustrated arrived in the mail. The original gave Steve McNair's age as 30. The rest of the yardage came on penalties against the Rams.