It is difficult to understand what happened in Kansas City on Saturday. I don't think there is a right answer or a correct assessment and, for those who have the honour of talking about another man's life, it is important to choose your words carefully.
Two people died in a horrific, public way that will affect everyone involved for the rest of their lives. I don't know whether or not statistics show that suicide rates are higher in pro sports than in society but the pressure that players are under can be overwhelming at times. The amount of money and competition for jobs has never been higher or more difficult. Pressure affects people in different ways and some handle it better than others.
The Chiefs will be criticized for playing the game on Sunday. Jovan Belcher did take the life of a 22-year-old woman who was a mom. Some people will mourn, others move on.
The question of why will be asked over and over and I know I don't have the answer and I doubt anyone does. It is a psychological state of mind where living is more painful than the alternative and the perceived future is no brighter. Perhaps as time moves on, some answers will be found and if those answers can help others, then perhaps these tragic events can have some aura of light.
We have all known people that struggle and often try to help. Yet, what goes on in an individual mind is unknown because we are all so different. In the end, if you have a sense that someone is having problems with life, all you can do is reach out and try. You may never know if it helped but it is better than staying stagnant and concluding it will all be okay. Sometimes it is not.
