Steve McNair, 36, the former Ravens quarterback, was found dead in a Nashville condominium with multiple gunshot wounds. A women was found dead with him and was shot once in the head.
Nashville police have identified the woman as McNair's friend, Sahel Kazemi, 20. The autopsies are planned for today Sunday 5th July 2009.
Although there are no suspects so far, a number of visitors to the apartment complex were taken to police headquarters for questioning.
McNair's wife, Mechelle is said to be extremely distraught, but police do not believe she was involved in the shootings.
Wayne Neeley who rents the condo with McNair and is a longtime friend found the bodies. He found McNair on a sofa and Kazemi on the floor of the living room. Neeley called McNair's bodyguard Robert Gaddy, who then contacted police.
Witnesses say that McNair arrived between 1.30am-2.00am Saturday and Kazemi's vehicle was already there.
Nashville police had arrested Kazmi 2 days earlier on a DUI charge. McNair who was in the passenger seat of her 2000 Escalade was allowed to leave by taxi. Police have stated that Kazmi was under the influence of drugs not alcohol.
McNair spent 11 years with Houston Oilers, who went on to become the Tennessee Titans. He closed out his career at the Baltimore Ravens in 2007. He took the Titans to teh Super Bowl during 1999 season and was co-Most valuable player alongside Peyton Manning in 2003.
McNair led the Ravens to the AFC North title with a 13-3 record in 2006. However, he threw a critical interception on the goal lone in a 15-6 loss to Indianapolis colts in the division playoff.
Sahel Kazemi was an employee at Dave and Busters in Opry Mills, Tn. General manager Tony Farahani said Kazmi was a solid employee, a workaholic with high energy. “This is a tremendous shock, so unexpected. She was a bubbly girl and she was supposed to come today at 5 p.m." He also said that McNair would often come to his restaurant, usually bringing several people with him.
Former team-mates in Nashville and Baltimore are still reeling from the news.
Derrick Mason played with McNair in Nashville and Baltimore:-
"Steve was always willing to lend a hand to anyone who needed it," Mason said in a statement issued by the team. "I've known him for 13 years and he was the most selfless, happiest and friendliest person I have known. His family and my family are close, and it is a blow to us all. It is a devastating day. Steve will always have a place in my heart. My family and I are hurting for his family. Our thoughts and prayers are with them."
Samari Rolle joined Ravens a year before McNair and also helped the Titans become an AFC power:-
"I still can't even believe it," Rolle said. "To lose such a good friend and a good man so soon doesn't make sense. If you were going to draw a football player - the physical part, the mental part, everything about being a professional - he is your guy. I can't even wrap my arms around it. It is a sad, sad day. The world lost a great man today."
Raven's general manager Ozzie Newsome:-
"This is so, so sad," Newsome said in a statement. "We immediately think of his family, his [four] boys. They are all in our thoughts and prayers. 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. He is one of the best players in the NFL over the last 20 years. ... He was a great player, one of the toughest of competitors and a tremendous teammate, a leader on the field and in the locker room, especially to young players."
Eddie George, former Titans running back said - "had ice running through his veins. He was so cool under pressure, so calm. He never raised his voice, never lost his composure."
Mike Flynn, former Ravens center:-
"Obviously, everybody saw his ability, but behind closed doors, they couldn't see what a great guy he is," Flynn said. "He was a great guy to play for and play with. It's real sad because he was one of the good guys I've met in 11 years of pro football. I'm stunned and just sad."
Another former Titans center, Jason Brown:-
"It's a very sad day, it really is," Brown said. "You can't shy away from the fact that Steve was a talented human being, and for the two years that I was fortunate and blessed to have played with him in Baltimore, he definitely helped to mature my career by leaps and bounds. ... When he came in in 2006, we did something special that year, and I will never forget the poise that Steve brought to the team that year. My thoughts and prayers go to his family."
Titans owner Bud Adams:-
"We are saddened and shocked to hear the news of Steve McNair's passing today. He was one of the finest players to play for our organization and one of the most beloved players by our fans. He played with unquestioned heart and leadership and led us to places that we had never reached, including our only Super Bowl."
