Sports

Former Linebacker Junior Seau Dead in Apparent Suicide — Mother Delivers Heart-Wrenching Presser

(The Blaze/AP) — Police in Oceanside, Calif., say former NFL star Junior Seau has been found dead at his home.

Police Lt. Karen Laser confirmed the death Wednesday but released no other details.

Police responded to a report of a shooting at 10 a.m. at Seau’s home on the coast north of San Diego.

TMZ reports Seau’s girlfriend found him with a gunshot wound to the chest, and that paramedics arrived and were unsuccessful in reviving him.

Reports: Junior Seau Committed Suicide

Junior Seau (AP)

Witnesses near the former linebacker’s home earlier told several news stations that police responded to his house and that the famed football player shot and killed himself.

“Oceanside Police have apparently responded to Junior Seau’s home on South The Strand in Oceanside. The Chargers Hall Of Famer killed himself, a witness who heard the news from police told 10News,” one station reported . “Oceanside Police confirmed that something is going on in the area of Seau’s home in the 600 block of South The Strand but would not give details other than to say further information is coming.”

“Neighbors are calling News 8 saying that Seau has apparently committed suicide,” another station says.

TMZ reports he sent text messages to his ex-wife and kids yesterday saying “Love you,” but that neither suspected anything out of the ordinary.

Seau’s mother delivered a heart-wrenching press conference after the news broke, seemingly blaming the press while weeping and shouting, “Take me!”

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Seau was a standout linebacker with the University of Southern California before going to the San Diego Chargers, whom he led to the Super Bowl following the 1994 season.

He remained with the Chargers until 2003 and went on to play with the Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots before retiring after the 2009 season.

This is a breaking story. Updates will be added.

Comments (89)

1 2 3
  • soybomb315
    Posted on May 2, 2012 at 5:25pm

    this is a tragedy. he was an incredible competitor

    Report Post » soybomb315  
  • avgconservative
    Posted on May 2, 2012 at 5:09pm

    If you are contemplating suicide… Let Billy Joel talk to you first.

    http://youtu.be/YhxjNYvJbgM

    Thanks.

    Report Post » avgconservative  
  • neocon1
    Posted on May 2, 2012 at 5:08pm

    the thing is many of these guys are ghetto kids who are fawned on from 10 yo.
    they “graduate” from high school with a 3rd grade level reading, math and comprehension skills.
    then on to the same at “college”…..a stint in the NFL then they are done.
    within 3-5 years they are broke, have 6 kids three ex wives and not enough brains to qualify for a job sweeping floors.
    They end up dead, in prison or in the gurrer.
    sad.

    Report Post »  
    • MONICNE
      Posted on May 2, 2012 at 5:25pm

      Junior was a Samoan American with royal lineage. (Not a traditional candidate for your Ghetto Child example.)

      May our Lord God Jesus Christ have mercy on his soul, let him enter the Kingdom when it is time.

      TEA

      Report Post » MONICNE  
    • SquareHead
      Posted on May 2, 2012 at 5:59pm

      @NEOCON1
      Not sure what your point is? Though I have not researched it, I am sure that you won’t find suicide any more common among inner city population than in the suburbs.

      Having known a few people that committed suicide. The ones I have known where agnostics, or had bad substance abuse problems or both.
      The fact is that men live on this earth thinking that when they achieve this or that they will be happy and content. We can see it especially in actors and sports figures. Many have spent their live working towards a goal, thinking that once that is achieved all will go away….. So many turn to Drugs, Alcohol, Sex and all sorts of reckless behavior, to try to fill the void that they thought fame and fortune would fill.

      Unfortunately it is not uncommon, as we recently saw by the suicide of Olympian skier Jeret Peterson: http://www.usatoday.com/sports/olympics/2011-07-26-skiing-jeret-speedy-peterson-suicide_n.htm

      SUICIDE is Not the answer, THERE IS A WAY OUT.

      Did you hear about DION SANDERS from the Cowboys:
      http://jcsuperstars.wordpress.com/2008/01/09/deion-sanders-testimony/

      Report Post »  
    • SHOOTnCRASH
      Posted on May 2, 2012 at 6:23pm

      didn’t think this could be any worse, but then you posted.

      Report Post » SHOOTnCRASH  
    • Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
      Posted on May 2, 2012 at 6:45pm

      Seau was raised in a very strong family values society, the Samoans stress family and honor as strong attributes. He was one of the very few athletes that never got in trouble, played very clean, was well respected by his teammates, opposing players, coaches and the fans. Even I as a broncos fan had a great deal of respect for him. This is really a sad day for his family, San Diego and America. I really do find it disturbing when someone feels so lost that they take their life. I really do wish he would have reached out to someone before taking such a drastic step. Neo, you really need to look at someone before you judge them. But then again, you are entitled to your opinion, just like everyone else.

      Report Post » Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra  
    • neocon1
      Posted on May 2, 2012 at 7:53pm

      my point was not to bash Jr. or any other player.
      My point was against the SYSTEM that PROMOTES sports “heroes” no matter how little they achieve.
      then send them to a major college for free, raise them to a higher hero status while attending knitting and basket weaving “classes”.
      On to the NFL where they earn millions yet have the education and restraint of a 10yo kid.
      they end up broke, in prison, or dead.

      I was not inferring that JR was any of the above, I should have been clearer.

      Report Post »  
    • Mil-Dot
      Posted on May 3, 2012 at 4:50am

      I agree with Neocon
      Sports are not the most important thing in life. If they are, then you are a moron. He is exactly right. He was the same as the ghetto kids that ALL want to be sports heros. The odds of a kid being selected by the NFL are approx 1 in 18,000. They don’t want to work and learn like other kids because they think they are special. Then, when they are dumped by the team, they have no skills and are destitute. That is what neocon is saying you freaks.

      Report Post »  
    • Kisses6350
      Posted on May 3, 2012 at 6:36am

      Dude seriiously? You have a pretty distorted view on life! Maybe some in sports, but surely not the numbers you discribe. The man is dead! Show some respect……..****Smirks****

      Report Post »  
    • ohiowordguy
      Posted on May 3, 2012 at 10:13am

      Neocon1′s words may be crude, but I was thinking similar thoughts with regard to the despair some of these former players must feel.

      It is true that they have been elevated, treated extraordinarily most of their lives because of their athletic abilities and then, unfortunately for some, when it is over they are lost.

      For as long as they can remember, they have been the athlete; it is their identity, and when that’s gone, some obviously have no sense of who they really are — or could become — and then lose their sense of self-worth. Very tragic. The major league sports should work to help these men find Life After Sports. It seems, of late, that NFL players especially could benefit from this type of intervention.

      Very tragic. I hope Seau has found peace. While I do believe suicide goes against God, I heard of a pastor who said suicide is a form/symptom of disease and that God cures diseases when we die.

      Report Post »  
  • trueamerican40
    Posted on May 2, 2012 at 5:04pm

    I just think that there is a demon attacking America right now…despair, hatred, depression, greed, lust.
    The only answer to the hole in the heart is Jesus.

    Report Post » trueamerican40  
    • jhaydeng
      Posted on May 2, 2012 at 5:18pm

      Money doesn’t fix everything!

      Report Post »  
    • HorseCrazy
      Posted on May 3, 2012 at 12:57am

      true american you are right, everyone needs our prayers now and love for our fellow humans. in the end days the love of many will grow cold, love and be kind to everyone we encounter we are all fighting some sort of battle, that is what I will take away from this. Prayers for his family

      Report Post »  
  • vinnymac46
    Posted on May 2, 2012 at 5:00pm

    Botom line is only Junior and God truly knows why this happened, many people reach the “end” in their minds, and believe there is no more hope for them. My opinion is those around him were either chose to purposely be blind to his “issues” or just ignorant of the fact that someone like Junior Seau could have “personal” problems. Whatever the cause, we can only pray for those he left behind to get through this and not escalate this further.

    Report Post » vinnymac46  
  • BannedByHuffpo
    Posted on May 2, 2012 at 5:00pm

    When are these stupid columnists going to learn the distinction between

    “GUT-WRENCHING”

    and

    “HEART RENDING” ???

    Report Post » BannedByHuffpo  
  • CAmom
    Posted on May 2, 2012 at 4:55pm

    Junior Seau didn’t wallow in his retirement, he was very involved in the community, in his foundation, his restaurant, tons of charities, and personal appearances. He was not the guy who was just sitting around.

    There’s a discussion about the supposition that this may be linked to the affect of multiple concussions on the neurological system and depression. I will wait to see what information is gleaned from this horrific situation before I make up my mind.

    Report Post »  
    • netmail
      Posted on May 2, 2012 at 9:46pm

      Yes and I was thinking the exact same thing given the fact that Junior was one the most aggressive (but clean) hitters I ever seen. And he always wanted to be in the game.

      Report Post »  
    • Mil-Dot
      Posted on May 3, 2012 at 4:53am

      I believe there is a “suicide gene” of some sorts. Some sort or DNA malfunction that either induces severe depression or the twisted desire to kill one’s self. It seems to run in families. For generations it seems.

      Report Post »  
  • Tickdog
    Posted on May 2, 2012 at 4:35pm

    sad!

    Report Post » Tickdog  
  • sndrman
    Posted on May 2, 2012 at 4:33pm

    unfortunately after the game,something since a young boy of 7or 8 yrs old going to practice game day and thinking of winning the big game… once you retire and accomplish what you set out to do and achieve,so now what? unless they have clear goals after the game is done…..any way you cut it this is sad sad….my heart goes out …..sure life has it’s up and downs you still have to fight the good fight…..

    Report Post »  
  • TomSawyer
    Posted on May 2, 2012 at 4:13pm

    Don’t let money be your god.

    Report Post »  
  • Detroit paperboy
    Posted on May 2, 2012 at 3:52pm

    Wow, what could be that bad, that you wouldn‘t work thru it for your children’s sake ? I do not understand….so so sad, for his children, and very selfish on his part…..life sucks sometimes, but eventually it always gets better, and wonderful again …..

    Report Post »  
    • AmazingGrace8
      Posted on May 3, 2012 at 9:13am

      Agree. This 3rd of May news items about head injuries for football players. I can see the concern about head & other injuries playing football but nowadays everything is going for the “Safe” factor and to the extreme with “other agendas” seems to be a common theme.
      My heart went out to his mom when they showed her grief…my heart breaks for the family and the fans of football & all the “goodness” he gave to people on his short 43 yrs on earth. I remember watching him play & having that great big warm smile. Sad. He will be missed. I pray he had a close and personal relationship with Our Lord Jesus Christ.

      Report Post »  
  • Seagal45
    Posted on May 2, 2012 at 3:38pm

    How very sad, prayers for his family. RIP

    Report Post »  
  • elvisathome
    Posted on May 2, 2012 at 3:37pm

    If he’d just given himself five more minutes, he might have ended up in a different frame of mind and tossed that thought aside like so many others and continued on. Hard to judge why people do it, but life can overwhelm some people to where they get to a point that they see no other alternative but to go the ultimate self destructive way. Life for some is so fast paced and we live in such a media driven society that the mind either can‘t keep up or get’s so overloaded that it can’t grasp it all and the thought processes turn to mass confusion. There comes a time when it all has to be shut off and a person has to walk away for introspection and soul serching to come back down to earth and think rationally. No amount of economic hardship, no failed relationship, no premature retirement, or any amount of personal pain (physical or mental) should sway a person to shortchange all those who love them by falling so far that they can‘t save themselves or let others intercede to help relieve and cope with the burdens of life’s misery’s. Junior you will be missed by millions of friends and fans. Travel well, your burdens have been lifted!

    Report Post »  
  • noleftturn
    Posted on May 2, 2012 at 3:13pm

    …. cautionary tale. all the fame and money you could ever desire can’t buy off the demons residing in your soul. RIP!

    Report Post » noleftturn  
  • NeoKong
    Posted on May 2, 2012 at 3:12pm

    Drugs and alcohol.

    Report Post » NeoKong  
    • TheSoundOf Truth
      Posted on May 2, 2012 at 4:36pm

      Idiot. He wasn’t on drugs. He was as clean as they come.

      You are a putz.

      Report Post » TheSoundOf Truth  
    • MEANS2RESIST
      Posted on May 3, 2012 at 10:20am

      It seems like only the good die young, & then there’s PacMan Jones the troublemaker.

      RIP to JR & his family

      Report Post » MEANS2RESIST  
    • boltfan63
      Posted on May 3, 2012 at 1:46pm

      Neokong,

      You are an idiot. Junior was never suspected of having abused drugs nor alcohol. Don’t try to tarnish this man. He has done more for his community then probably everyone on this page combined.
      RIP Junior, you will always be my favorite San Diego Charger.

      Report Post »  
  • TXVET48
    Posted on May 2, 2012 at 3:10pm

    Love watching Junior on the field. His passion and excitement for the game. Too bad he couldn’t transfer the love of football to a love of life. RIP

    Report Post » TXVET48  
  • khayesmom2
    Posted on May 2, 2012 at 3:10pm

    I enjoyed watching Junior Seau play for our wonderful Patriots. RIP Junior!

    Report Post »  
  • TEARS FOR AMERICA
    Posted on May 2, 2012 at 3:09pm

    While desperation can cause evil voices to tell you it is hopeless, do not listen…there is always hope of a better day and like Gonzo said, everyone matters, fight against isolation with God’s help!

    Report Post » TEARS FOR AMERICA  
  • korbin
    Posted on May 2, 2012 at 3:06pm

    Loved him as a Charger, couldn’t stand him as a Patriot. He was my mothers neighbor before he became a Charger, big family. bummer

    Report Post »  
  • biohazard23
    Posted on May 2, 2012 at 3:05pm

    Dude, get help. Seriously.

    Report Post » biohazard23  
  • grudgywoof
    Posted on May 2, 2012 at 3:00pm

    Jr. why? One great all time player. Hall of Fame……. the worlds going to hell.

    Report Post » grudgywoof  
  • dannyo
    Posted on May 2, 2012 at 2:50pm

    did people committ suicide back in the “little house on the prairie days”?? is life so complicated now that even the rich and famous are fighting demons which they feel cannot be destroyed??

    Report Post »  
    • Detroit paperboy
      Posted on May 2, 2012 at 3:29pm

      Dannyo
      That’s actually a good question, I bet suicide was almost unheard of back then, I wonder….

      Report Post »  
    • Gonzo
      Posted on May 2, 2012 at 3:41pm

      Judas Iscariot hung himself 2,000 years ago. Nothing new.

      Report Post » Gonzo  
    • lukerw
      Posted on May 3, 2012 at 12:30am

      Saul, the first King of Israel… fell on his sword (committed suicide)!

      Report Post » lukerw  
  • lukerw
    Posted on May 2, 2012 at 2:48pm

    One Skill… harmed Body… Money problems… Pride: One Solution!

    Report Post » lukerw  
    • boltfan63
      Posted on May 3, 2012 at 1:50pm

      Luker,

      He didn’t fit any of your crap. Know before you post.
      Charger for life but Mentor and generous for eternity.

      Report Post »  
  • Got2bRoni
    Posted on May 2, 2012 at 2:44pm

    Goodbye to a legend…RIP…

    Report Post » Got2bRoni  
    • Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
      Posted on May 2, 2012 at 3:10pm

      Very sad, Seau was a great family man, a great person, and a great athlete. Condolences to his family.

      ITSJUSTTIM, take your meds…NOW.

      Report Post » Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra  
    • ochsrus
      Posted on May 2, 2012 at 4:29pm

      He was a true icon in San Diego and he will be missed. I know that God will watch over his family and help them in this time of grief.

      Report Post »  
    • TheSoundOf Truth
      Posted on May 2, 2012 at 4:38pm

      Darmok, once again, you prove to be the classiest poster on the Blaze.

      RIP to a good man who played the sport he loved with passion.

      Very sad.

      Report Post » TheSoundOf Truth  
  • hauschild
    Posted on May 2, 2012 at 2:40pm

    This country’s falling apart at the seams, yet there ain’t a damned thing I can do about it.

    Report Post »  
    • cemerius
      Posted on May 2, 2012 at 2:53pm

      Just protect your own and hold on for the ride!

      Report Post » cemerius  
    • Gonzo
      Posted on May 2, 2012 at 2:56pm

      Don’t give up the fight my friend, no matter how meager that fight may seem. You matter.

      Report Post » Gonzo  
    • namron019
      Posted on May 2, 2012 at 3:03pm

      I once thought like that! As a nation we are under the wrath of God and he is giving us what we desire. Read Romans 1.

      God’s wrath comes in the form of blindness to our own sins. First of which is loving God with all our heart, soul and body. We worship ourselves and maintain ourselves on the throne of our heart rather than God. That is what Christ came to fix so we could be relation with the father and make requests of him in prayer. Without relationship with the father unlikely prayers will be answered.

      You can put your trust in Christ and pray for your fellow man.

      Report Post »  
    • hauschild
      Posted on May 2, 2012 at 3:19pm

      I guess what I am trying to say is that American will NEVER be a great country again. Once you lose that moniker, it’s a hopeless fight to get it back.

      I have often wondered the past 10 years what is the most efficient method for America to be great again and the only thing that I can see that is even remotely possible is some type or for of secession. I think it is going to take a certain group of people that have huge stones to devise a method that in some form produces the end result of what we want – our country back. And, that will never happen with the current crop of Americans – there are just too many slackers and bottom feeders to deal with.

      I think people like us have probably as many, or more, resources available as any other group of Americans, and the most important characteristic we have is a feverish work ethic. I think we need to begin discussions of “staking out out claim”. Outside of this, there is no hope long term.

      Report Post »  
    • Gonzo
      Posted on May 2, 2012 at 3:26pm

      I can’t argue with you Hauschild, it seems hopeless and I feel just like you do many days. God made this country great for a reason and maybe He’s not done with us yet. That’s about the only hope I have for us, but it’s a big one.

      Report Post » Gonzo  
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