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Steve McNair celebrates as he runs across the goal line for a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers in a 2003 game. McNair was found shot dead in a Nashville, Tenn. apartment Wednesday. The former Alcorn State standout led the Tennessee Titans to Super Bowl XXXIV in 1999.
Steve McNair found shot to death
Published Sunday, July 5, 2009
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Former NFL and Alcorn State quarterback Steve McNair, who led the famous Tennessee Titans drive that came a yard short of forcing overtime in the 2000 Super Bowl, was found dead with a gunshot wound to the head Saturday in a downtown condominium. Police said a pistol was discovered near the body of a woman also shot dead.
Nashville police spokesman Don Aaron identified the woman as 20-year-old Sahel Kazemi, whom he called a ‘‘friend’’ of McNair’s. She had a single gunshot wound to the head.
Police said the 36-year-old McNair was found on the sofa in the living room, and Kazemi was very close to him on the floor. Aaron said the gun was not ‘‘readily apparent’’ when police first arrived.
Autopsies were planned for Sunday.
Aaron said McNair’s wife, Mechelle, is ‘‘very distraught.’’
‘‘At this juncture, we do not believe she is involved,’’ he said. ‘‘Nothing has been ruled out, but as far as actively looking for a suspect tonight, the answer would be no.’’
Fred McNair, Steve McNair’s oldest brother, said some family members likely will travel to Nashville on Monday to consult with Steve McNair’s wife.
‘‘It’s still kind of hard to believe,’’ Fred McNair said. ‘‘He was the greatest person in the world. He gave back to the community. He loved kids and he wanted to be a role model to kids.’’
He said he did not know who Kazemi was.
The bodies were discovered Saturday afternoon by McNair’s longtime friend Wayne Neeley, who said he rents the condo with McNair.
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.
Neeley then called a friend, who alerted authorities.
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 condominium is located within walking distance of an area filled with restaurants and nightspots, a few blocks from the Cumberland River and within view of the Titans’ stadium.
Two days ago, Nashville police arrested Kazemi on a DUI charge while driving a 2007 Escalade registered to her and McNair. McNair was in the front seat, but didn’t break the law and was allowed to leave by taxi.
The arrest affidavit said Kazemi had bloodshot eyes and the smell of alcohol on her breath, but refused a breathalyzer test, saying ‘‘she was not drunk, she was high.’’
In June, McNair opened a restaurant near the Tennessee State University campus. It was closed Saturday evening, but had become a small memorial, where flowers, candles and notes had been placed outside the door.
On the restaurant’s windows were messages: ‘‘We will miss you Steve’’ and ‘‘We love you Steve.’’
A note attached to a small blue teddy bear read, ‘‘We will never forget you, Steve. Once a Titan, always a Titan.’’
‘‘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, a four-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. He also played for the Baltimore Ravens before retiring in April 2008.
His most noted drive, the last one in that Super Bowl, came when he led the Titans 87 yards in the final minute and 48 seconds, only to come up a yard short of the tying touchdown. Kevin Dyson caught his 9-yard pass, but was tackled at the 1-yard line by the Rams’ Mike Jones.
McNair accounted for all of Tennessee’s yards in that drive, throwing for 48 yards and rushing for 14. The rest of the yardage came on penalties against the Rams. Before that, he brought the Titans back from a 16-0 deficit to tie the game.
‘‘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. ‘‘I can’t even wrap my arms around it. It is a sad, sad day. The world lost a great man today.’’
McNair became a nationally known college football star playing for Alcorn State, a Division I-AA school in his home state. His performance in the Southwestern Athletic Conference was so dominant, he became a Heisman Trophy contender and national media flocked to the school in Lorman, Miss., to get look at ‘‘Air McNair.’’ He still holds the Division I-AA (now known as Football Championship Subdivision) records for career yards passing (14,496) and total offense (16,823).
McNair began his NFL career in 1995 with the Houston Oilers, who eventually became the Titans, and finished with 31,304 yards passing and 174 touchdowns. McNair played with pain for several years, and the injuries ultimately forced him to retire.
‘‘On the field, there isn’t player that was as tough as him, especially at the quarterback position,’’ the Ravens’ Derrick Mason said. ‘‘What I have seen him play through on the field, and what he dealt with during the week to get ready for a game, I have never known a better teammate.’’
During a five-game stretch at the end of the 2002 season, McNair was so bruised he couldn’t practice. But he started all five games and won them, leading the Titans to an 11-5 finish and a berth in the AFC championship game for the second time in four seasons.
McNair played all 16 games in 2006, his first season in Baltimore, and guided the Ravens to a 13-3 record. But he injured his groin during the season opener last season and never regained the form that put him in those Pro Bowls.
‘‘I am deeply saddened to learn of today’s tragic news regarding the death of Steve McNair. 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. ‘‘He was a tremendous leader and an absolute warrior. He felt like it was his responsibility to lead by working hard every day, no matter what.’’
Titans coach Jeff Fisher was out of the country, taking part in the first NFL-USO coaches tour to Iraq.
Ozzie Newsome, Ravens executive vice president and general manager, said he immediately thought of McNair’s four sons.
‘‘This is so, so sad. We immediately think of his family, his boys. 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. He is one of the best players in the NFL over the last 20 years.’’
No funeral arrangements have been made.
Comments
Posted by Kaydee81 (anonymous) on July 4, 2009 at 4:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
My heart goes out to his family! Pull together and stay strong!
He is one of the greatest QB's in my opionion.
Posted by MsThang30 (anonymous) on July 4, 2009 at 5:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
McNair will dearly be missed.
Posted by judy9205 (anonymous) on July 4, 2009 at 5:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Condolences to all family and friends. Our prayers are surely with you all.
Posted by jrn59 (anonymous) on July 4, 2009 at 6:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
When this tragic news first broke on FOX I could not believe what I was hearing. I said, not again, too many losses in one week. Steve is/was one of the best QBs that I have ever watched. JMO, but hey I think he was good and made Miss. proud. Hope they catch the thug(s) that did this. Thoughts and prayers to his local family and many friends...
Posted by harvest1 (anonymous) on July 4, 2009 at 6:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
A time of saddness in our country. My prayers are for the family, and friends.
Posted by gottabehappy (anonymous) on July 4, 2009 at 6:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Dude was an incredibly nice guy though too.....hope they hang whoever did this.
And I agree, too many losses in too short of a time frame.
just weird
Posted by gottabehappy (anonymous) on July 4, 2009 at 7:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
And my thoughts and prayers are of course with the family during this horrible time.
so sad
Posted by Greenfields (anonymous) on July 4, 2009 at 7:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I've heard nothing but positive things about him. sad
Posted by racehorse (anonymous) on July 4, 2009 at 8:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I remember a very loving mom who had so much pride sitting in the stands watching her son play. Everytime the camera would go to her, she would hold up her hand doing the #1. I will be praying for this family.
Posted by natashakubelikov (anonymous) on July 4, 2009 at 10:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
very sad situation
Posted by steve_o (anonymous) on July 4, 2009 at 11:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
More info here: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,5300...
Posted by ijohnson (anonymous) on July 4, 2009 at 11:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Just couldn't believe it when I got that call at 3:00pm!!! Steve, you were the darling of Mississippi and Alcorn . . . you made us proud. Such a terrible tragedy on what should have been a very happy, celebratory day!
You were a class act at Alcorn and during your NFL years and we thank you for making us proud to call you our own.
When day breaks tomorrow, we hope to have concrete answers to what really happened. In the meantime, we will continue to pray for the family and pray that you will rest in peace.
Posted by eagleX2 (anonymous) on July 4, 2009 at 11:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
A great guy. I always thought he was one of the many examples of what's wonderful about the U. S. A. I was one of his biggest fans.
Posted by NtzMom55 (anonymous) on July 5, 2009 at 2:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Such a shock. God be with Steve's family. So tragic and unbelievable.
Posted by drinthehouse (anonymous) on July 5, 2009 at 4:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)
First, I would like to say how I mourn for the family of Steve McNair and especially his mother, wife and children. Despite the circumstances surrounding his death he married Michele and she is his wife and with that union I know there was also true love. Also, unquestionably Steve McNair's accomplishments helped to build the name of AlcornState University in a positive image. He showed the world what a young man from the small town of Mount Olive Mississippi could do when a person's mind is made up. McNair went from a small Delta town to a high profile celebrity, but most importantly he embraced his roots with pride. I'll always have the utmost respect for Steve and nothing that the media or any other source says will alter my opinion of STEVE MCNAIR!
Posted by abc747 (anonymous) on July 5, 2009 at 11:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The last report I saw said McNair was sitting on the sofa and was shot 4 times. The 20-year-old woman (who was his girlfriend - the Cadillac Escalade was registered in both their names and he was a frequent visitor to her apartment, according to neighbors) was shot once in the head and the gun was beside her. Sounds like murder-suicide. "The wages of sin is death."
Posted by fraidoclowns (anonymous) on July 5, 2009 at 11:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The wages of everything is death, abc747. We all die, you moron.
Posted by southernwoman (anonymous) on July 5, 2009 at 1:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
And we all sin.
Posted by NtzgirlnTN (anonymous) on July 5, 2009 at 1:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
As the news begin to spread here in Nashville, large crowds, in shock, began to gather outside the condo to pay their respects to one Great man. Doesn't really matter the circumstances surrounding his death, he was such an asset to Nashville and that's what we will remember about our Steve. He contributed so much of his talents to Our Titans and our community. He will always be in our hearts and minds. My the Lord be with his family and comfort them at this difficult time in their lives. We love you and will miss you Steve. YOUR TITANS FANS!!!!!!
Posted by Incognito (anonymous) on July 5, 2009 at 5:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Who are we to judge anybody? How can any human being place someone in a Heaven or Hell they didn't make?
Steve will be greatly missed by family, friends, and Alcornites.
Posted by freedom42 (anonymous) on July 5, 2009 at 8:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm sure he was a good person and will be missed by many. I will be praying for his family, especially his wife. We cannot judge others, however when a person (celebrity or otherwise) places themselves in the position he did with this young woman, they cannot expect others to continue to look up to them. McNair should have been a role model for young boys, instead he has failed them and all his fans. IMHO
Posted by ijohnson (anonymous) on July 5, 2009 at 10:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
((freedom42)) Were you a fan?
Posted by freedom42 (anonymous) on July 5, 2009 at 10:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
No, don't care for football. I was speaking in a general way about the hero worship we all tend to indulge in. If I were a fan, he would have failed me. Our children, and many adults, need heros we can look up to and know they will always do the right thing. We sit around and wonder why our kids grow up with no clue as to right or wrong. But do we look at what we do while they are watching us? Do those celebrities who engage in activities we all aknowledge to be wrong think about the affect of their actions on kids looking up to them? There's a big NO there for the most part. I have always felt that if you are in a position of leadership of any kind, you need to watch your step for those who look up to you. Oh yes, I have sinned, and no I am not judging anyone. Simply making an observation. Good night now.
Posted by ijohnson (anonymous) on July 5, 2009 at 10:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
((freedom42)) If what you say were true about worshiping heroes and those who ". . . engage in activities we all aknowledge [sic] to be wrong . . . ", then you wouldn't have voted for John McCain and, as a matter of fact, you would be ashamed to call yourself a Republican.
I don't know about you but I don't live in a "perfect" world. Therefore, I don't go around condemning folks and judging them for things I know nothing of OR is no business of mine. What does your Bible say about "speaking about things for which you know not"?
Posted by southernwoman (anonymous) on July 5, 2009 at 10:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Freedom, I believe the correct word is "effect" rather than "affect".
Posted by ijohnson (anonymous) on July 5, 2009 at 10:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"Speaking about things for which you know not, naught or nothing!"
Posted by stateofnatchez (anonymous) on July 5, 2009 at 11:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The media photo's that you see of this girl are from two days before the incident, when she was arrested for a DUI in Davidson Cty (Nashville). She and McNair were in the Escalade that McNair bought her. McNair bailed her out that night.
From what I have READ, he met her at Dave and Busters restaurant in Nashville and they have also been photo'd together on a vacation three months ago.
Very very sad considering what he meant to so many people, including his wife and kids.
Posted by vidalia1 (anonymous) on July 6, 2009 at 12:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Lets all dwell on the positives that he created in the sports area. People take this section to be negative.I pray that the
family gets through this.....For his family and friends I hope that the negative comments and opinions are never read by
you.I pray for strength and those that are judging...Noone is
really able to tell what happened. Have respect for his family and friends.
Posted by IraqiBravesFan (anonymous) on July 6, 2009 at 8:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I will start this by saying, these are truly the times we live in and all my heart and prayers go out to the Mcnair family.So with that being said Friends and true christians alike please be careful, we as Americans, esspecially sports fans have a habit of placing our superstars on pedestals and Steve was truly one of the greatest to play any sport in the state of Mississippi.There are going to be alot of things said about the situation and what lead up to his death. All that I ask everyman over the age of 20 that has lied to a woman and has a son or sons. Please take this opputunity to talk to them and explain that there is no such thing as little sin or big sin and all men are accountable for our actions.AND WE ALL MAKE MISTAKES!!!(Judge not that ye may be judged) God continue to bless our great nation, true christians and the McNair family..
Posted by faithblessings (anonymous) on July 6, 2009 at 9:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
God Bless the children............
we are certainly praying for them.
Posted by NtzgirlnTN (anonymous) on July 6, 2009 at 12:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Freedom 42, have you ever thought that maybe the Parents should be role models for their children? And do you know the circumstances surrounding his marriage and relationship with his wife? Were they legally separated? Here in TN a legal separation entitles you to see other people. So if you can't answer those questions, then maybe you shouldn't post on a topic you know nothing about.
THE GOOD IN THIS MAN FAR OUT WEIGHED THE BAD!!!!!!!
His Loving Fans in Nashville!
Posted by freedom42 (anonymous) on July 6, 2009 at 1:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Yes, parents definately should be the role models for their children. He wasn't. Unless you want your kids to grow up to be a cheating husband. What you people seem to be saying is that its ok to cheat on your wife and lie, as long as you are a "good" person otherwise, gives money to the poor, and whatever else he has done, it's ok. Well, in my Bible it says it's not ok. I am not judging, you are doing enough of that to me. And don't tell me I don't know anything about the topic of cheating husbands. You go right ahead and praise this man if it makes you feel better. God is his judge and mine. I want no other.
Posted by notabigot (anonymous) on July 6, 2009 at 1:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Have we become so uncivilized that we can't wait for a man to be buried before we pass our pathetic human judgement on him? He has met the ultimate judge. Leave it at that. People are grieving and grieving hard. Show some respect.
Posted by NtzgirlnTN (anonymous) on July 6, 2009 at 6:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
freedom42-Like I said earlier, unless you can answer the questions in my previous post, please don't post on a topic you know nothing about. Steve is a person friend of mine and was a great role model to his boys. I had just spoke with Steve at one of his sons baseball games last week. The community of Nashville will always remember Steve for the smile on his face, his accomplishments on our football field, and for the wonderful, caring and loving person he was. RIP Steve, we love you! Our prayers are with his family and also for freeom42.
Posted by musicman02 (anonymous) on July 6, 2009 at 8:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
People, he is dead. Whatever happened, is all moot at this point, he was the best qb that I have ever seen in all of the SWAC. There is an old saying, "he who is among without sin cast the first stone". Whatever the circumstances are in the shooting let the police and medical examiners make that call.As far as his extramarital affairs are concerned that is between him and the good Lord.
Posted by row (anonymous) on July 7, 2009 at 8:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)
See thats why I left Mississippi because of people like freedom42 always placing a person in Heaven or Hell. Not saying what he was doing was right but you never know what was going on with him and his wife. The Bible say we should strive to be perfect no man is perfect or without sin.WHAT WE SHOULD BE DOING IS ON OUR KNEELS PRAYING FOR THIS MAN FAMILY. Steve life was TAKEN for no reason and let's not forget that this young lady knew that he was married.All the fault can't be put on Steve because from the looks of it he took care of her. I met Steve back in 96 and I still can't forget that smile.My prayers go out to both families all the way from IRAQ in which am currently fighting for all you people FREEDOMS.
Posted by freedom42 (anonymous) on July 7, 2009 at 8:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Thank you row for your service. My oldest son spent a year there fighting for our freedoms also, and my youngest will be in Afganistan next year. My heart goes out to you.
Now, if you people will read my posts without your rose colored glasses, I only said in effect that our earthly idols always have clay feet. Steve McNair was a generous person by all accounts, but adultrey is wrong. I don't like to see people idolized because as has been stated, we have all sinned, and our only and final judge is God. And in Forrest Gumps famous words, "that is all I have to say about that".
Posted by southernwoman (anonymous) on July 7, 2009 at 9:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
[Now, if you people will read my posts without your rose colored glasses]
I thought rose colored glasses made situations appear less offensive, not more offensive to "you people" and everyone else.
Posted by drawpaintsing (anonymous) on July 7, 2009 at 11:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Is all of this arguing necessary? Guess what? Steve is still dead, and guess what else? He is not coming back. Whether or not he was an adulterer, great football player, husband, father, humanitarian, son, brother, church member, etc., we can't change what happened. There is no use in debating on idols or morals, because what happened has happened. I'm just sorry for the wife and kids to watch all of these details unfold. I'm also sorry for his loss, because he was a great a football player. I saw him play. I didn't know all of this other stuff he did, good or bad, until he was killed. This goes to show that when one dies, everything comes out. The worst part about this is that his wife has to bury her husband after all of this. Everybody is not going to see him as good, everybody is not going to see him as bad. You can't stop people from expressing how they feel. I have mixed emotions myself. I love Steve McNair, but I am sorry and disappointed in how he died.
Posted by swacman (anonymous) on July 7, 2009 at 6:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
some footage I shot of Mac back in the day during his alcorn era and put together a short video at our station. http://www.wjtv.com/jtv/news/local/artic...
Posted by ijohnson (anonymous) on July 7, 2009 at 9:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
((swacman)) Thank you for that montage of photos and videos on Steve. I had to laugh when I watched the footage of Steve pulling off in his hooptie with his vanity license plate "AIR II 9"!!! :-) Just reminds of how far his hard work and preserverance took him.
What a testament to young folks who may get discouraged as they try to find their way through this cold and heartless world we live in. Steve's accomplishments are a living testament to how hard work, dedication and perserverance will take you to places you may have only dreamed of. Steve's contributions to the game of football, his community and his family were admirable.
Here is some footage of his home in Nashville that was recently put on the market: http://www.showcasebyagent.com/sba/index....
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