Steve McNair: Solid citizen or philandering phony?
Thursday, September 17, 2009
The world of sports took a major hit recently when former NFL standout quarterback Steve McNair was found murdered. An investigation by the police in Nashville determined that McNair was killed by his mistress, who then turned the gun on herself and committed suicide. The world of professional sports isn't without its share of scandals, but this one caught everyone by surprise. McNair had been the epitome of a professional athlete, community activist, husband and father. There had never been any hint of evidence to link him to any scandal.
Here are the facts about the case:
- McNair had been having an affair with a woman who had served his family at a local restaurant and arcade. He had purchased a car for the woman and she became convinced that McNair was going to leave his family for her. She had begun to sell furniture in order to facilitate a move to a new dwelling.
- McNair's family had no idea anything was going on. McNair's wife Mechelle didn't know the mistress and the McNairs had not filed any sort of divorce papers or sought counseling. Mrs. McNair had no reason to suspect anything. Even McNair's agent had no idea his client was having an affair.
- The mistress became emotionally distressed one day and believed her life was spiraling out of control. She had money troubles and was a nervous wreck. She waited for McNair to fall asleep on the couch of their condominium, and then shot him four times, killing him. She then positioned her own body on McNair's and took her own life.
The Nashville community, where McNair spent the majority of his career, was stunned. McNair had always been an ideal citizen of the community. He opened a restaurant, known as Steve McNair's Gridiron 9, and so successful that he was considering another location.
McNair, who was born and raised in Mississippi and retained a home there, was instrumental in helping with the Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. Through McNair's efforts, a convoy of 20 tractor-trailers left Nashville full of supplies that had been donated. More than 800 volunteers helped and more than $300,000 was raised. McNair even began the Steve McNair Distribution Center in Gulport, which helped properly route the delivery of goods purchased by McNair's foundation.
With the seedy circumstances surrounding his death, many of McNair's good deeds will be forgotten. His death and the salacious details will unfortunately be the first thing many people think about when McNair's name is brought up.
So what is fair? Should McNair be remembered as one of the top quarterbacks in professional football, one who took his team to the Super Bowl? Should be remembered as a man who gave freely to people in need? Or should he be remembered as a flawed man whose extramarital affair caused his death and left behind a wife and four sons, who will forever be left trying to sort out the reasons why?
