Former NFL quarterback Steve McNair and a woman were found shot to death Saturday inside a Nashville residence.
NASHVILLE - Former NFL quarterback Steve McNair and a woman were found shot to death Saturday inside a residence in Nashville, police said.
Nashville police confirmed that authorities were called to a condominium and found McNair and Sahel Kazemi, 20, shot to death inside. Spokesman Don Aaron said police don't yet know the circumstances of the shooting.P class=inside-copy>"I don't have any answers for you now as to what's happened, who's responsible," he said.P class=inside-copy>
THE HUDDLE BLOG: Remembrances of McNair's toughness roll in
PHOTOS: Steve McNair's career (April 2008)
FONT color=#00529b>P class=inside-copy>Aaron said the 36-year-old McNair died of a gunshot wound to the head and said that McNair suffered several gunshot wounds. Kazemi died of one gunshot to the head.P class=inside-copy>"The medical examiner will be conducting autopsies tomorrow," Aaron said. "We expect to make additional conclusions after the autopsy process."P class=inside-copy>Police brought several people in for questioning, Aaron said, "Just to see what they know, what they may have seen."P class=inside-copy>Aaron said officers went to the scene after receiving a call about injured persons inside the condo.P class=inside-copy>"When police officers arrived in response to that call, they found two individuals who had been shot to death inside the residence," he said. P class=inside-copy>The condominium where the bodies were found is one that McNair was known to frequent, but police spokeswoman Kristin Mumford could not say whether he was the owner.P class=inside-copy>McNair played 13 seasons in the NFL and led the Titans within a yard of forcing overtime in the 2000 Super Bowl, which they lost 23-16 to the St. Louis Rams. He also played for the Baltimore Ravens before retiring in April 2008.P class=inside-copy>"We don't know the details, but it is a terrible tragedy and our hearts go out to the families involved," NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement.P class=inside-copy>"We are saddened and shocked to hear the news of Steve McNair's passing today," Titans owner Bud Adams said in a statement. "He was one of the finest players to play for our organization and one of the most beloved players by our fans. He played with unquestioned heart and leadership and led us to places that we had never reached, including our only Super Bowl."P class=inside-copy>About 50 people crowded just beyond police tape outside the complex in the upscale Rutledge Hill neighborhood, some wearing Titans hats. The condominium is located within walking distance of an area filled with restaurants and nightspots, just a few blocks from the Cumberland River and within view of the Titans' stadium.P class=inside-copy>Chad Daniels, who lives near the Second Avenue South condominium where the shooting took place, stopped by to bring flowers and share his grief. P class=inside-copy>"I think all of Nashville is pretty heartbroken over this," Daniels said, near tears. "He built the franchise. He built the Titans organization."P class=inside-copy>Shaheed Rahman, who said he was McNair's friend and sometimes driver, spoke to McNair two weeks ago, just before the opening of his new restaurant. He said the former quarterback was in good spirits and loved being in Nashville.P class=inside-copy>"We're just trying to put the pieces together to find out what happened," Rahman said. "To those of us who knew him, this is not a joyous moment. We don't want to remember McNair. We want him to still be here."P class=inside-copy>McNair began his career in 1995 with the Houston Oilers, who eventually became the Titans, and finished with 31,304 yards passing and 174 touchdowns. McNair played with pain for several years, and the injuries ultimately forced him to retire.P class=inside-copy>The highlight of his playing time might have been a five-game stretch at the end of the 2002 season when he was so banged up he couldn't practice. McNair started all five games and won them all, leading the Titans to an 11-5 finish and a berth in the AFC championship game for the second time in four seasons.P class=inside-copy>McNair played all 16 games in 2006, his first season in Baltimore, and guided the Ravens to a 13-3 record. But he injured his groin during the season opener last season and never regained the form that enabled him to earn a berth in four Pro Bowls.P class=inside-copy>"I am deeply saddened to learn of today's tragic news regarding the death of Steve McNair. He was a player who I admired a great deal," said New England Patriots senior football adviser Floyd Reese, who was GM of the Titans when McNair played there. "He was a tremendous leader and an absolute warrior. He felt like it was his responsibility to lead by working hard every day, no matter what.P class=inside-copy>"I don't think there was a player who played with him or against him that didn't look up to him and respect him," Reese said. "My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, his friends and the many teammates who loved and admired him."P class=inside-copy>Titans coach Jeff Fisher was out of the country, taking part in the first NFL-USO coaches tour to Iraq.P class=inside-copy>Contributing: The TennesseanP class=inside-copy>The Tennessean is owned by Gannett, parent company of USA TODAY/>
