With all the deaths in the last couple weeks, the fatal shooting of Steve McNair was like another body blow for fans. It left me wondering, when is this going to stop? One aspect of the media coverage has been of interest to me in particular. Over and over, I hear nonchalant mentions of McNair’s “girlfriend” as the other dead party. McNair is married to another woman. Some reports have been non-judgmental about his extramarital affairs. Others have included judgment about it; and it kind of feels a little crappy to scarring the guy’s reputation 48 hours after he’s killed.
One that sticks out is that of one of McNair’s former coaches, former Baltimore Ravens head coach Brian Billick. He threw McNair under the bus and said his reputation will be forever tarnished. It smacked to me of the same holier-than-thou stuff we hear about being gay. It left me wondering what kind of reaction guys like Billick wouldn’t just have to gay people, but also to the harder-to-define relationships that so many gay men enter into.
I’m personally not willing to pass judgment on McNair. I don’t understand his marriage. I don’t know how he and his wife defined their relationship. And, a lot of people are saying how much McNair did for charities and the like. He was a tough player and often very fun to watch. I’m just not willing to put an asterisk or a scar on his name.
on Jul 7th, 2009 at 1:56 AM
I’m not sure he’s saying McNair is tarnished for having an affair – I think he’s saying he will now forever be known for being murdered, rather than for what he did on (or off) the field. Probably the same argument for Sean Taylor.
on Jul 7th, 2009 at 2:12 AM
You may be right, B. But his language seemed like it was more than “he was killed.”
on Jul 7th, 2009 at 5:49 AM
I’m never quite sure what Brian Billick is saying. But I know that I got so tired of reading (on blogs, sites like SI.com, etc.) about what a great man McNair was and what a great role model (God how I HATE that term anyway) for young African Americans McNair was. A role model for how he managed to become aone of the toughest Qbs ever to play in the NFL, coming from a small Balck college? Absolutely. A role model for having his wife and kids find out about all this other stuff by being murdered by a woman he was rolling around town with at all hours in an Escalade he bought for her in a condo he put her up in? Not so much.
And of course everyone wants to put him in the Hall of Fame. He was a fine QB but not HOF worthy.
on Jul 7th, 2009 at 6:47 AM
As a Nashville resident and Titans fan the death of Steve McNair has been shocking and a bit surreal. When the news broke Saturday afternoon it just didn’t seem possible, that it had to have been a mistake. Sadly it wasn’t.
Steve was one of the toughest quarterbacks out there. He played through multiple injuries week after week and always did his best to march his team down the field to score. He also did a lot and I mean a lot of charities especially for children. He was very generous with his time and money. When a tornado hit East Nashville several years ago he manned a chain saw while a lot of his team mates stood around as if it was a photo op. When Katrina hit he organized a drive for donations and filled up tractor trailers and sent them south. He did a lot for the community and for that he is to be commended.
He like everyone else was a flawed man but that does not negate all the good he did just like all the good he did does not negate his flaws. Humanity is too complex for that. Whether or not he belongs in the Hall of Fame is a decision I will leave to those with more knowledge of what is deserving to make. But I will always celebrate what Steve McNair did right and will mourn his death and how it came to pass.
on Jul 7th, 2009 at 3:08 PM
Screw Brian Billick… he’s always hated Tennessee so it’s really not shocking that he would say something so poor in taste about McNair – even if #9 did play for him.
We all have skeletons in our closet… and the fact that McNair was apparently messing around with someone on the side does not outweigh AT ALL his play on the field and the amazing things he did in the Nashville community.
We’ll miss you, #9.
on Jul 7th, 2009 at 8:15 PM
I think being married and then being filled with lead by your girlfriend tends to tarnish a reputation.
on Jul 8th, 2009 at 4:43 AM
What I don’t understand are headlines that read “Lack of motive slows investigators’ ruling on McNair girlfriend” Lack of motive? Are you kidding me? What about this scenario: McNair was going to call off the relationship and Kazemi shot him, then turned the gun on herself. Sheesh, who are these so-called ‘investigators’ – Laurel and Hardy?
on Jul 8th, 2009 at 4:41 PM
Sure his reputation is tarnished because of it but who gives a shyt? Who knows if he was going to ask his wife for a divorce? Who knows if he was seeing this second woman that the police are now alleging is the reason why his mistress shot him? All I know is that 4 boys are without a father because of some foolishness. Who gives a fuck about his reputation? Those children have lost their daddy.
on Jul 8th, 2009 at 5:27 PM
^Apparently Daddy didn’t anticipate the negative impact spreading his seed wherever he wanted might have on those four boys.
He shoulda paid high rent prostitutes who are only interested in the money of the moment. Not a relationship.
on Jul 8th, 2009 at 5:33 PM
^ Yeah its real easy to say that after the fact.
on Jul 8th, 2009 at 7:09 PM
If you’re not stupid you see it up front.
on Jul 8th, 2009 at 9:34 PM
(Courtesy of CNN)
The girlfriend of former NFL star Steve McNair first shot him in his right temple, then fired three more shots at close range, most likely as he slept, police said Wednesday. She then sat on the couch next to his body, and killed herself so that she would fall into his lap, they said.
*Score one point – correct sequence
The police chief said Kazemi had become rattled over the last week, believing that McNair was involved with another woman. “She had become very distraught and on two occasions told friends and associates that her life was all messed up and that she was going to end it all.”
*Deduct one point – incorrect motive.
Total – zero points.
Final analysis: Ehh – you win some, you lose some.
on Jul 9th, 2009 at 12:28 AM
bitch wuz crazeeeeeee!
on Jul 9th, 2009 at 11:33 PM
The dude was having an affair w/a child (20). Not even legal to drink alcohol. WTF? No excuses for a family man w/the where with all of a pro football career to provide for that family. Judgment??!! F’yes. The dude screwed up bad and the psyco nut case shot him in either temple??? Wow. Cold desperate chick. A 20 yr old. 2 years outa high school. All the while the prolly trophy wife at home or nurturing wife who held his shit and the family together was raising his kids. He and his buddy has a stabbin’ cabin (condo) to bring their hooks to. A family man doesn’t do that unless he’s separated/divorced. A skank and lying cheating SOB does this to his family. I know and work w/a few. they got what they deserve. I would be happy to eat those words if he was in proceedings to divorce and gain 50% custody of his kids or his wife gave him freedom to play which isnt at all common amongst straight women w/kids. This mom didn’t want to be a single mom. These kids wanted their dad and mom. Played good ball but was a skunk in life. Don’t make excuses for him.
on Jul 10th, 2009 at 7:16 AM
Kev,I am so glad that we have one perfect person on here to show us mere mortals how to live totally pure lives.
on Jul 10th, 2009 at 9:56 AM
^ Co-sign Foxeyes2….and the pastor at his memorial service yesterday was quick to tell people to put their stones down before starting with all of that foolishness. He is no more flawed than many other people. Yes, he’s dead over some foolishness dealing with an obviously crazy chick, but its just sad all the way around. Can we remember the positive things that he did in his life?