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 still shook up.". You won't want to miss a moment of the 2022 season! Image Credit: Mechelle McNair/ESPN. Who would want to do that to him?" antibiotics for an infection that developed after shoulder surgery. His girlfriend, 20-year-old Sahel Kazemi, died of a gunshot wound to the side of the head. The Tribune is an independent newsroom free from commercial and political pressures. The funeral service for Steve McNair is held in Reed Green Coliseum at The University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, Miss., Saturday, July 11, 2009. 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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. 5:45-6 a.m.: McNair leaves Ignagnis apartment and says he is going to his restaurant, Gridiron9. She had failed to sell her other car and McNair had apparently saddled her with monthly payments on the Cadillac. Steve McNair would have turned 50 on Valentines Day. According to an arrest affidavit, Kazemi had bloodshot eyes and alcohol on her breath. Even though he left no will, Steve McNair's entire immediate family has been provided for under instructions the slain . 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. ", Police announced the ruling after what they called "nearly four days of intensive investigation.". In the July 8 news conference, Serpas said, "She had become very distraught unraveling messed up She was spinning out of control.". XFL Week 3 preview: Can AJ McCarron, Battlehawks continue their fourth-quarter heroics? 8:30 AM The future of the NFL combine: Is there really a chance it could end forever? Azadeh Kazemi, Jenny's sister, told us, "She wasn't angry enough to do something like that. "I didn't know the state of his marriage. Instead, he was murdered on July 4, 2009, at age 36 by his alleged mistress. On July 4, almost a year-and-a-half into retirement, the 36-year-old married father of four was found brutally killed inside a Nashville condo he rented with a friend. Ill never forget some commentators saying that the Oilers may need to adjust the playbook. McNair and the body of a 20-year-old woman named Sahel "Jenni" Kazemi were found hanging in the apartment McNair rented in downtown Nashville. Upon arrival in Tennessee, the Oilers didn't really have a home or fan base, playing in Memphis and at Vanderbilt Stadium in Nashville while a permanent stadium was built. 6:02 p.m.: Kazemi receives a call from Gilliam. 2:03 a.m.: Kazemi and McNair exchange the following text messages. As Tennessee was driving, McNair dove over a pile and was drilled. Instead, McNair's death should be a reminder that we need to appreciate every breath we take and everyone we know who shares that air. 1:14 a.m.: Kazemi places a call to McNair. She doesnt hear from him again until the early hours of the morning. All this bills n everythin else is stressin me out, 3:53 p.m.Kazemi: baby what are you doing, 4 p.m. McNair: At the pool with the kids. 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." "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. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) Former NFL quarterback Steve McNair and a woman were found shot to death Saturday inside a residence in Nashville, police said. "We can't put ourselves in the minds of people who do these terribly irrational acts, but we do believe there's evidence that she was spinning out of control," Ronal Serpas, Nashville's police chief said. Fisher didn't mention McNair tutoring quarterback Vince Young, who lost his starting job last season, but Young and McNair had a strong bond that might have helped the young pro fight through his struggles and possibly turn the corner, as McNair once did. Jul 06, 2009 at 12:08 pm. But, the records obtained by CBS News show that the two-hour absence actually took place the day before, on Wednesday, July 1, "completely contradicting the police timeline, bringing into question if Kazemi ever even bought the gun," Keteyian says. 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 . You were just in disbelief.. Lost in the fireworks and festivities of July 4, was the three-year anniversary of the death of former NFL MVP Steve McNair.McNair, 36, was found dead on July 4, 2009, at his then-girlfriend's . Copyright 2023 Endgame360 Inc. All Rights Reserved. Now, Investigation Discovery is revisiting McNair's murder, ruled a murder-suicide, in the premiere of the second season of "Deadly Recall". 10:45 p.m.-11 p.m.: Crowe calls Fowzi Said Ali of the Yellow Cab Co. to pick them up from Blue Moon Lagoon. After a few expletives, he replied in disgust, Thats their racist way of saying Houston needs to dummy down the playbook so he can learn it.. Young, like so many others, is devastated by McNair's death, according to his agent, Major Adams. She was charged with DUI. Associated Press. She seemed happy and eager to build a life with him, but something went wrong. Market data provided by Factset. 8:34 p.m.: Kazemi: baby where u gonna be at when I get off, 8:50 p.m. McNair: Im at the home now baby what time u get off, 9:10 p.m. Kazemi: Where u gonna be at baby, 9:15 p.m. McNair: at home til the kids fall asleep, 9:18 p.m. Kazemi: k ill call u when I get off. Time unknown:Kazemi and friend Emily Andrews speak on the phone about Kazemi'sDUI arrest. Ten years later, he just chooses to focus on his favorite side of McNair. His body was found, along with that of his alleged girlfriend, at a home he shared with her. Saturday marks the sixth anniversary of the death of Steve McNair. "He gave this really impactful, heartfelt speech that moved the crowd into giving toward his foundation," George said. That's why his former coach, Jeff Fisher, nearly cried Monday when saying McNair, at this time, would ask for forgiveness. McNair started all 16 games in 1997, guiding the team to an 8-8 record. McNair accounted for all of Tennessee's yards in that drive, throwing for 48 yards and rushing for 14. McNair seemed to handle that well especially on the field, where George and Mason are quick to say: He's the toughest teammate they ever played with. Polite spoke to Kazemi just hours before her death and says, "She sounded like normal, happy, bubbly Jenni. As questions swirled around the deaths of quarterback Steve McNair and his much-younger mistress, the mother of slain football star said Monday she doesn't want to know . Not to mention McNair was a big family man. The two had been linked romantically despite the fact McNair was married. "It was like something you might imagine seeing on TV or in the movies, but never imagine you would see it first-hand, to have that happen to someone you love," Gaddy said, according to The Tennessean of Nashville. He grew up with six siblings, which led to competitive games growing up. You be the judge. 10:29 a.m. McNair: Set down baby and rest for a minute. It is a sad, sad day. He later bailed her out. It's every day you need to perform to a certain level, you need to do something. 12:51 p.m.: Neeley contacts Robert Gaddy to inform him hes found someone shot inside the condo and didnt recognize who it was. Timeline of Steve McNair and Sahel 'Jenni' Kazemi leading up to their deaths. Final Season Stats. 1:39 p.m.: The first officer arrives at the scene. He got up and came back to the huddle to 10 other stunned teammates. McNair took Kazemi on vacations and for her 20th birthday presented her with a luxurious Cadillac Escalde SUV. Much is given, much is required that's kind of the motto that they live by.". This series will look back on the Tennessee Titans franchise. Nashville police spokesman Don Aaron says, "The gun was purchased Thursday evening, after the traffic stop, after the DUI arrest.". Contributed, Jeff Meinholdt. . By 1997 he was the starter, and two years later, the Oilers-turned-Titans were headed to Super Bowl XXXIV. There were no signs of forced entry or struggle, police say. Family of Steve McNair dividing up estate despite lack of signed will. I called 911 and told them they needed to get there. 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. It caught so much media attention that the Braves next home game was televised on ESPN. Co-worker Shantez Jobe, 33, said she was friends with Kazemi. 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. McNair was with her but not charged. Time unknown (evening):Vent "Casper" Gordon gets a call from McNair asking him to meet for drinks at Corner Pub, a downtown sports bar. Nashville police spokesman Don Aaron confirme You're a play away, a year away -- a situation away -- from it being over.". She met McNair while both were students at Alcorn State, though she also studied nursing in Nashville and became a nurse while he played for the Titans. Robert Gaddy, the close friend who reported McNair's death to 911 defended his friend since their days playing football at Alcorn State to The Tennessean. McNairs college career was fascinating because he was so talented, so extraordinary and yet couldnt gain the respect he deserved from mainstream media. C.J. 1:51 p.m.: Neeley calls Moreland again. Police, however, say Kazemi simply lost it in the last week of her life -- stressed out over mounting bills and her relationship with McNair. McNair's 10-year-old son was old enough to understand the information, the media focus on his father, and all the horrible things people were saying. I didnt have to touch him and I called 911 and told them they needed to get there and I was holding my breath and hoping it wasnt true. 6:54 a.m.: Norfleet hears banging on his apartment door. The strong-armed McNair was considered a game-changing warrior on the field. The things he did on the football field to make us all feel his loss are the things we'll hang on to most, but the strange circumstances that led up to his murder make so many things hard to decipher. Both had been shot several times. In their first summary of the case since McNair was found dead on Saturday in his Nashville apartment, investigators speculated that a woman half his age found dead next to him, Sahel Kazemi, shot him because she felt her life was unravelling and she suspected him of seeing another woman. Mason said. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. It took a moment for her to wrap her mind around the news. Time unknown: Andrew Gilliam Jr. goes to Kazemi'sapartment, and she asks him about a gun. 6:26 p.m.: Gilliam and Kazemi call each other at the same time. LORMAN, Miss. 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. Things in the wrong places., John Harbaugh Reveals Where His Baltimore Ravens Failed Against the Tennessee Titans. Time unknown: Kazemi and co-worker/friend Roosevelt Glass discussplansto see the fireworks on July 4 together and her DUI. 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. The Rams defeated the Titans 23-16. She then fired three more shots at close range, sat on the couch next to his body and killed herself so that she would fall into his lap, police said. 2023 NFL Enterprises LLC. "Nothing has been ruled out, but as far as actively looking for a suspect tonight, the answer would be no.". Sahel "Jenni" Kazemi shot and killed McNair before turning the gun on herself on July 4, 2009, the Metro Nashville Police Department concluded. She did, but her body slid to the floor and ended up at McNair's feet, Serpas said. Olivia Newton-John had an Estate Plan that carried out all her wishes. It seemed inauthentic, though, so McNair ripped up the paper before speaking from his heart. About 20 minutes later, she texts McNair. And then obviously stuff started to come out and whatnot, but still. (Allen Kee via AP) 18 / 69. Kevin Dyson, who caught a pass from McNair but fell only one yard short of scoring a potential game-tying touchdown in the Tennessee Titans' lone Super Bowl, said McNair's death shouldn't be an example used to preach to young people about doing things certain ways. Tennessee Titans. It wasn't McNair's refusal to buckle to the poundings that showed his true character, George said. I was holding my breath and hoping it wasn't true. In the same time frame, Kazemi begins a prolonged text message exchange with McNair while she is still at work at Dave & Buster's. George, like Mason, remembersbeing incredulous when he first heard the news about McNair. Crimesider: Was Steve McNair Murder Investigation Flawed? Nashville police spokesman Don Aaron identified the woman as Sahel Kazemi, whom he called a "friend" of McNair's. Farahani tells her to clock out for the rest of the night. A police investigation and later tests proved that Kazemi killed McNair, who was 36, before committing suicide. 1:17 a.m.: Gilliam texts Kazemi, "u good". McNair stays for maybe 20 minutesbefore leaving with Ali. The death of iconic Tennessee Titans quarterback Steve McNair shook the sports world to its core back in 2009. She was 20. SEC Men's Basketball Tournament 2023 bracket, schedule, TV info, Sahel "Jenni" Kazemi shot and killedMcNair, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. During this evolution, McNair struggled, running when he should have thrown, throwing when he should have ran. Gaddy drives to the condo and finds Neeley outside in his truck. (Howards story is for another day.). McNair had two children Steven L. McNair Jr. and Steven OBrian Koran McNair before marrying Mechelle McNair. USA Today reported that the Metro Nashville Police Department concluded Kazemi shot and killed . Here pictures Crime scene: michelle mcnair picture, sahel kamezi pictures, sahel kamezi pictures, steve mcnair memorial, steve mcnair update, steve mcnair sons,sahel kazemi photo. 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. The gun was found underneath her. A Pakistan NewsSteve McNair's shocking death ignites more infidelity discussionsThe Canadian PressNASHVILLE, Tenn. . The 20-year-old shot Steve McNair to death in a condominium he was renting before shooting herself on July 4, 2009. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP)Text messages between a woman and former NFL quarterback Steve McNair (notes) made in the hours before police say she shot him to death and turned . McNair and his family frequented the restaurant where Kazemi was a waitress, according employees and patrons of Dave & Buster's in Nashville. ", A note attached to a small blue teddy bear read, "We will never forget you, Steve. We made all kinds of preparations to be there you know my brother has a family you know so it takes time to actually get everything together, Steven said to WJTV. Steve McNair's death still hurts 14 years later. In a news release, they said Kazemi brought a "fully loaded 9 mm pistol at 5 p.m. on Thursday," after the DUI arrest, when she was "absent from work for about two hours, until 7 p.m.". "I'm pretty sure that (McNair) was dealing with some things that we don't know about," his teammate George said. 2023 www.tennessean.com. Sun 27 Sep 2009 12.11 EDT. He spent seven seasons with the Tennessee Titans, leading them to to the Super Bowl in 2000. 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. On July 8, Nashville Police Chief Ronal Serpas told reporters, "We do believe, no questions, that she killed Mr. McNair and then killed herself. But we need your help to continue that critical work. Some, like myself, have their career shortened by injuries. NASHVILLE Friends of Steve McNair say everything seemed normal. 10:34 a.m. Kazemi: im gonna try to sleep. Now, you younguns 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. When he arrives to pick up the car, a police officer tells Norfleet that Kazemi's boyfriend was in the car with her. You are appreciated beyond measure., Steve McNair Widow and Sons Get Money from Estate. Several hours after McNair sprung her from jail, Kazemi's jealousy and fury reached a boiling point. But she has released a statement in which she expressed thanks for the outpouring of support and sympathy her family has received. The average cost has climbed 12.7% from USD 3.86 million in the 2020 report.". Fans bailed. Investigators said Kazemi had also seen another woman leave McNair's home. 3 overall draft pick by the Houston Oilers in 1995, expectations were high, but McNair rarely played early in his NFL career. July 6, 2009 12 AM PT. The Titans gave me their tickets and I let them know that I had them, Mechelle said via a telephone call to WJTV. Then again, it feels even weirder that McNair's story already has an ending. His body was found, along with that of his alleged girlfriend . Kazemi had just split with her boyfriend and gave McNair, a regular diner, her phone number. 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. He had other properties as well, including The Ranch, the 647-acre farm and house near his boyhood home of Mount Olive in southern Mississippi. "He seemed to almost enjoy the pain.". According to Kazemi's family and friends, McNair had told Kazemi he was separated and, they say, she was about to move in with him. 9:23 p.m.: Kazemi returns from her lunch break. McNairs death shocked the country on the Fourth of July in 2009. Theres no way that Im not going to invite them to come to something that their daddys a part of. However, notes Keteyian, Kazemi's work schedule, obtained exclusively by CBS News, reveals police made a critical mistake. His career as a professional athlete was dotted with examples of giving back, and he had no plans of halting that trend as he began retirement in 2007. "When you transition from the game mentally and physically and emotionally transitionyou go through so much change. He also played for the Baltimore Ravens. Was Sahel "Jenni" Kazemi Framed for the murder of Steve McNair? It looked like he was gone and I didn't want to believe it.''. All rights reserved. He was named co-MVP with Peyton Manning in 2003. Corrupt Crimes Death of a Football Legend Pro-football legend Steve McNair's secret affair ends in a murder/suicide; Chicago cop Jon Burge provides extremely cruel and unusual punishment. / CBS. Time unknown: After she is bonded out, Kazemi catches up with McNair and is seen to be angry and yelling at him. 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. 8:14 a.m.: McNair texts Kazemi, who responds later. Posted July 9, 2009. "Touchable. Fans wanted him benched. Reports have shown that McNairs cellphone records had text messages from numerous women. 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. Two days before the shooting, police stopped Kazemi driving the Cadillac Escalade sport utility vehicle that McNair had given her for her birthday in May. Your prayers, kind deeds and outpouring of support throughout this difficult time have been of tremendous comfort to us, she said in the statement. He was booed. 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. More than an hour passed before a University of Maryland football trainer called 911 after a player . Noon: Norfleets friend calls someoneto pick him up from the apartment where he had spent the night. Police earlier had labeled McNair's death a homicide, but waited for further tests and the revelations about Kazemi's personal problems before concluding that she pulled the trigger in a condominium McNair rented with a friend. They reached out to the Titans, who said McNairs widow Mechelle was in charge of the invitations. Also, read one of our previous Blogs here: Click hereto check out our On Demand Video about Estate Planning. 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. She has not spoken publicly since McNair was killed July 4 by Sahel Kazemi, who shot him four times in what Nashville police say was a murder-suicide. When Nashville, Tennessee, finally got its own team in the National Football League in 1999, it named its new stadium the Coliseum. Sahel Kazemi, 20, was laid to rest in a modest brown casket after a 30-minute ceremony at Jacksonville Memory Gardens, Jacksonville, Florida. At 5 p.m. the same day, police say, she bought the murder weapon for $100 from Adrian Gilliam Jr., in a mall parking lot. 7:21 and 7:26 a.m.: Gilliam texts Kazemi's phone, "wat up.". "The position and the sport and the amount of money you make, any professional athlete, puts a tremendous amount of pressure on them," former Titans general manager Floyd Reese said. Obituary. NFL footage NFL Productions LLC. Cook said reporters looking at Mechelle McNairs emergency petition may have been confused by the routine filing, but that she followed a judges direction and Tennessee law when filling out the paperwork. A funeral service will be held Saturday in Mississippi. It looked like he was gone and I didnt want to believe it., According to USA Today, police have said Kazemi wasnt McNairs only mistress. UPDATE: Death Reveals Many Sides Of Steve McNair [Updated 8:26 a.m., 7/6/09] Steve McNair earned the respect of his fellow NFL players for shaking off defenders and injuries. Police believed she shot McNair in the temple while he was . Be Leery of Generic Health Care Proxy Forms. ", First published on October 19, 2009 / 8:13 AM. One message reflects a request for $2,000 from McNair to help pay her bills; others suggest she was stressed . 12:02 a.m.: Gilliam calls Kazemi and asks if they can get together. "I am deeply saddened to learn of today's tragic news regarding the death of Steve McNair. Steve McNair Net Worth: Steve McNair was an American football player who had a net worth of $26 Million. McNair, who wasn't charged, leaves in a cab without coming to talk to her. It's impossible not to equate McNair with one of the toughest guys to ever play the sport in the NFL. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. 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. He retired from football two years ago after two seasons in Baltimore and returned to the city he had made his home. A community-oriented and generous leader of a man. 1:45 a.m.: Keith Norfleet, Kazemi's ex-boyfriend, gets a call from Kazemi after his shift at White Castle.