Sean Taylor
The news is absolutely stunning.
Redskins safety Sean Taylor died early this morning from a gunshot wound to his upper leg. My first thought, beyond the tragic nature of this story, is how people have survived multiple wounds, yet Taylor died from a single shot to an area of his body that wouldn’t seem to bring a fatal ending. But the bullet struck an artery and caused a significant amount of blood loss.
Also, there had been a break-in reported eight days before the shooting, with the intruder prying open a window. And Taylor was shot after someone burst through his bedroom door. I would have assumed that Taylor’s home was equipped with an alarm system, but apparently not.
Unfortunately, any story about Taylor’s death, including the one I linked, will include details of his past transgressions on and off the field. My thoughts also turn to the reporters who cover the NFL, and especially the Redskins. I was on the Orioles beat when 23-year-old minor league pitcher Steve Bechler collapsed during a spring training workout and died the next day. That’s when the word “Ephedra” became a regular part of our vernacular.I’ll have more on that later. I need to drive my daughter to school. But I wanted to pass along the news on Taylor in case you hadn’t heard.
Comments
As a Ravens fan I have always hated everything Redskins. But as a human being I feel nothing but sadness for the team and Taylor's family and friends. My thoughts are with all of them.
Although Taylor may have had "character" issues off the field,he was a heck of a football player on it and had the potential to do so much more in the years ahead. My fondest memory od Taylor comes in 2002 when playing against FSU he literally took off the head of FSU's QB, Chris Rix, caused a fumble and recovered it. The NFL has lost one of its stars today.
Posted by: Patrick | November 27, 2007 7:40 AM
This is like a kick in the stomach... and then another.... and another
Posted by: Alan in VA | November 27, 2007 8:06 AM
I had to console by 7-year old this morning because he was crying because one of his football guys was murdered. This should not happen. My heart and prayers go out to his family....
Posted by: Renee | November 27, 2007 8:12 AM
This is a player who had a baby girl and turned his life around completely. It's difficult to understand that he didn't have an alarm system, especially with the break-in 8 days earlier. I hope they catch the shooter. A senseless tragedy all the way around, mostly for the little girl who will now grow up never knowing her father except for press clippings and photographs.
Posted by: mojito | November 27, 2007 8:15 AM
I can't help but to think that there's more to this story that meets the eye.
House was broken into recently, nothing was taken, intruder went right for bedroom to confront victims, etc. Something is wrong here.
Posted by: Bill | November 27, 2007 8:19 AM
To me the saddest part of this whole saga is that there is yet another tiny child in this country who is going to grow up not getting the chance to know her father because getting a gun in these days is easier than getting a house or car.
Posted by: Tracy | November 27, 2007 8:56 AM
Any truth that the O's are trying to sign Jose Guillen.
Posted by: mike | November 27, 2007 9:00 AM
All you pocket Detectives need to give the Redskins Family a break!!! The man lost his life!!! This article displays the coldness of modern media. If he had been the stand-up guy the media didn't have unrealistic expectations of, would this article have shown more compassion. Print some positive stats and facts, about the man. The youth of today need positive images to offset the negative images we sometimes portray in all our lives. Maybe alter the nagative end result that lead to end of this young mans life will inspire all you young men/women to still strive honestly for goals/values, like Mr. Taylor. Remember NOBODY IS PERFECT. My famalies thoughts and Prayers are for the Taylor's, Redskins and columnist. Sincerely A Ravens Fan.
Posted by: Cornell | November 27, 2007 9:08 AM
Its even making front page news over here in the UK.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/7114838.stm
Posted by: Patrick | November 27, 2007 9:22 AM
Reports now that it was a jealous ex-boyfriend of the woman Sean was living with. May have nothing to do with his past.
Posted by: eric | November 27, 2007 9:22 AM
This is truly a sad day for all of us who are football fans. If nothing else, maybe his death will further prove to professional athletes that money and fame do not buy immortality. Rest in peace Sean.
Posted by: Kevin | November 27, 2007 9:55 AM
I am a Glen Burnie Resident who grew up in the DC suburbs of MD and a life long Redskin fan through good and bad seasons. Lets keep the armchair quarterbacking out today and respect his family and colleagues who is in mourning. I feel bad for his girlfriend and baby daughter. Yes Taylor led a questionable life but at least he tried to pull his life around. PEOPLE STOP PUTTING THESE ATHLETES ON A PEDESTAL. THEY ARE HUMAN BEINGS JUST LIKE WE ARE. THE DIFFERENCE IS THAT THEY HAVE A BIGGER BANK ACCOUNT! IT IS THE MEDIA'S FAULT FOR PUTTING HIM AND HIS COLLEAGUES ON UNREALISTIC TERMS. LET HIM LIVE IN PEACE!
Posted by: Redskin | November 27, 2007 10:24 AM
He was only 24 years old....damn
Posted by: Erich | November 27, 2007 10:45 AM
Eric, I thought it might be something like that.... it was definitely not random. Phone lines cut? The KILLER, not burgular, went straight to his bedroom too, not one of the other 3.
After a break in last week with a knife left on a bed... I can't get over the idea of WHY was he there alone in the first place? Family members or whatever in other rooms doesn't count either.
Very sad, very sad indeed, no matter the team or player. He was 24.... That entire atmosphere down there needs to be changed & changed now. Completely senseless.
Posted by: Brian | November 27, 2007 11:00 AM
As somebody posted in another blog - Sean Taylor died honorably - a man protecting his family. That, more than anything, is how he should be remembered.
Posted by: Greg S | November 27, 2007 1:27 PM