Steve McNair News: Pro Sports Daily

Ex-convict headed to grand jury in McNair case

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July 25

Green Bay Press Gazette

"A federal grand jury will consider charges against a convicted murderer accused of selling the gun used to kill ex-NFL quarterback Steve McNair.Adrian J. Gilliam Jr., 33, of nearby La Vergne on Friday waived his right to a detention hearing and a preliminary hearing on a charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Gilliam, who has most recently worked as a car salesman, is accused of selling a loaded 9 mm pistol to McNair's girlfriend, Sahel Kazemi, 20, for $100 two days before McNair was shot. Police have said Kazemi, a waitress, shot McNair at his downtown condo July 4 before turning the gun on herself. Gilliam has been out of prison seven years since serving time in Florida for ..."

ATF: La Vergne ex-con sold Kazemi the gun that killed McNair

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July 18

Tennessean

"Adrian Gilliam Jr. of La Vergne has been arrested in connection with the Steve McNair shooting, accused of supplying the gun that killed the NFL great. The Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms and Tobacco arrested Gilliam. The gun offense is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $250,000. Gilliam has a 3 p.m. arraignment today before Judge Clifton Knowles. Gilliam, 33, was convicted in Miami-Dade County, Fla., in 1993 of three counts of armed robbery and second-degree murder. Sahel Kazemi, 20, who had been dating McNair for several months, purchased the gun from Gilliam on July 2 - the same day she was busted for a DUI while McNair was in the passenger seat of a Cadillac Escalade ..."

McNair's widow to administer his estate

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July 16

Nashville City Paper

"A Davidson County probate judge on Wednesday afternoon granted Steve McNair's widow her request to administer her late husband's estate after he failed to leave a last will and testament. Using her full name in legal documents, Jonula Mechelle McNair of Nashville was given 60 days by Probate Judge Randy Kennedy to file an inventory of the former Tennessee Titans quarterback's assets. The Davidson County Seventh Circuit Court documents show that "the decedent left an estate of sufficient size to be administered." In her emergency petition, Mechelle McNair listed herself and two sons, Tyler and Trenton, as heirs, according to documents prepared by Adams and Reese attorney David J. Callahan ..."

McNair's death a sad case of blaming victim

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July 8

San Francisco Chronicle

"When the revelations about Michael Vick's dogfighting ring set off national outrage two years ago, a lot of people wondered why cruelty to animals often seems to prompt more distress than violence against humans. Steve McNair's murder provides a hint of an answer. Our culture loves to blame the victim. It's a way for people to distance themselves from the threat of something similar, and they do it all the time. A baby is shaken to death by the babysitter, and the mother hears that she should have been home. McNair was shot execution-style, with his young mistress' body nearby, giving license to the argument that he bore some responsibility for his own death. Married with four children, ..."

Who are the other people in the McNair case?

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July 8

Nashville City Paper

"The death of former Tennessee Titans quarterback Steve McNair has Nashville and the entire sports world in a state of disbelief. In the days since his body and that of girlfriend Sahel Kazemi were discovered in a downtown condominium, the public has heard the names of Wayne Neeley, Robert Gaddy, Keith Norfleet, and even Jett Jackson associated with the final hours of Nashville's most famous athlete. From the moment the news broke, the public has been wondering if what occurred at the downtown condominium was a murder/suicide or a double homicide. Despite a gun being found underneath the body of Kazemi, a semiautomatic that she had purchased last Thursday evening, Neeley, Gaddy, Norfleet ..."

LP Field to be opened to McNair mourners for two days

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July 8

Nashville City Paper

"Tennessee Titans' fans will have the opportunity to pay their respects to Steve McNair at the place where he enjoyed his most memorable moments. LP Field will be open to the public from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, and a book will be on hand for mourners to share their thoughts and memories. The book will be presented to the McNair family. "Mr. (Bud) Adams thought this would be a fitting place for fans to show their respects to Steve and celebrate his career," Dan MacLachlan, a team vice president, said. "LP Field is one of the places where he made so many great memories for so many of our fans." In addition to the memory book, the video boards will show McNair highlights ..."

NFL analysts hope legacy isn't tainted

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July 8

Tennessean

"To most Titans fans, Steve McNair will be remembered for his grit. He was a warrior on the football field and a player who always seemed to rise to the occasion in the clutch. Others will remember the quarterback for his big heart off the field, where he regularly gave back to the community and worked with kids during summer football camps. In public, he never hesitated to sign an autograph. But the circumstances surrounding McNair's death, which include an affair with a 20-year-old woman - and details of his grisly murder - have been ingrained in the minds of everyone in recent days, from Nashville to California. It tarnishes the image of a player many found it so easy to cheer for, but ..."

McNair's death is big blow to small town

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July 8

Tennessean

"Fewer than a dozen single-story buildings line either side of Main Street, the "downtown" strip of this tiny municipality located 90 miles north of the Gulf Coast. There's an auto parts store, a grocery, a pharmacy with a defunct lunch counter, a hair salon, a Regent's Bank, City Hall and a small police station. There is no movie theater or mall. The nearest health care is a small county hospital in the next city, 10 miles away. But for most of the past two decades, the locals here have basked in the glow of their best-known and benevolent son: Steve McNair. In many ways, the former Titans and Baltimore Ravens quarterback literally put Mount Olive on the map. And, in recent memory, only ..."

Steve McNair's wife was unaware of affair with Sahel Kazemi until husband's death

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July 6

New York Daily News

"The wife of slain quarterback Steve McNair may have only learned about the gridiron star's affair with a gorgeous young woman after the clandestine couple's grisly deaths, sources close to the football player said Sunday. "She's blindsided by this," one source said of Mechelle McNair, who was holed up in her family's home just 6 miles from the condo her husband used to bed his mistress. "She's crushed. Her whole world is shattered." Nashville cops confirmed that Steve McNair, 36, was killed by four bullets fired at close range, two of which hit him in the head, and ruled his death a homicide. His lover, Sahel Kazemi, 20, died of a single gunshot from the same semiautomatic found on the ..."

Victim's sister: 'Third person involved' in Steve McNair's death

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July 6

USA Today

"The sister of Sahel Kazemi, the 20-year-old woman found shot dead with former NFL QB Steve McNair on Saturday, says she was a young woman who wanted to have fun and couldn't have hurt anyone - not herself, nor anyone else.Kazemi was actually the aunt of Sepideh Salmani, but they were raised as sisters. Salmani's mother adopted her when she was 9, after Kazemi's mother was killed in their native Iran. Salmani talked to her sister every day, and said she was very happy in her relationship with Steve McNair. She doesn't believe her sister killed McNair, or herself. "She was one, young girl who had so many dreams that they never came true," Salmani said. "She would never kill anyone, ever. Or ..."

Steve McNair's death brings other side of his life to light

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July 6

USA Today

"Steve McNair, born on Valentine's Day 1973, became the most beloved figure in the Tennessee Titans' short history because he seemingly was indestructible on the field - and worked hard off of it, building ties to the community here through his youth and charity programs.The news and circumstances of McNair's slaying dampened Fourth of July celebrations Saturday in Music City. He was found in his condominium Saturday afternoon, shot four times. The body of 20-year-old Sahel Kazemi- a waitress with whom the married father of four sons was having an affair - also lay dead from a single gunshot. A gun, thought to be the murder weapon, was found under her body, police said. It was a shocking ..."

Mother, Jesse Jackson, others mourn

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July 6

Tennessean

"Her heart is filled with pain, yet Lucille McNair won't let the tragic death of her son ruin all her pleasant thoughts, and how Steve McNair made her so proud. The mother of the former Titans quarterback said on Sunday she's not concerned with who shot her son four times on Saturday, including twice in the head. "I don't want to know,'' Lucille McNair said in a telephone interview from her home in Mount Olive, Miss.. "Because the way I see it, it was the devil's work and not God's work.'' She said she's not angry. "I'm not mad. I am just grieving over my son. He was a great son. He was special,'' she said. "If you'll excuse me, I just have a hard time talking about it. I get teary-eyed.'' ..."

McNair's shooting hits Vince Young hard

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July 6

Tennessean

"As a youngster, Titans quarterback Vince Young grew up idolizing Steve McNair. He attended his football camps, and looked to him as a mentor. He even called him "Pops.'' Like so many others, however, Young is now having a hard time dealing with news of the death of the former Titans quarterback. McNair was found dead Saturday from multiple gunshot wounds in a condominium on Second Avenue. Police on Sunday ruled the death a homicide. Young was out of the country when he got word of McNair's death. On Sunday, he issued a statement through the team. "I'm still in shock,'' Young said. "I spent all afternoon and night thinking about my life on and off the field with 'Pops.' Since I was a ..."

Leading Off: McNair's death was sad, but signs were there

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July 6

Sacramento Bee

columnist Bill Bradley

"While details continue to trickle in concerning Steve McNair's homicide, there has been much praise heaped on the MVP quarterback. As someone who witnessed the bulk of his Tennessee Titans career first hand, he deserves the compliments, but there needs to be a reminder that he wasn't always a choirboy. I started as sports editor of the Tennessean newspaper Dec. 17, 1999, just six weeks before he nearly pulled off one of the greatest drives in Super Bowl history. During my five years there, his durability left many of us in the Nashville media in awe. He would get hurt in the first quarter only to lead a fourth-quarter comeback. He would miss a week's worth of practices, only to start ..."

More than role model, McNair was 'trailblazer'

April 20

Baltimore Sun

columnist David Steele

"Some 24 hours after Steve McNair announced his retirement, Troy Smith said he had yet to speak individually to his former teammate, mentor and friend, only as part of the team farewell meeting that had ended in a standing ovation."

McNair retires after 13 seasons

April 17

Baltimore Sun

"Ravens quarterback Steve McNair announced his retirement today after 13 seasons in the NFL. "I played the game with a lot of passion," McNair said during an afternoon news conference at team headquarters in Owings Mills. "I played the game with a lot of heart." McNair told teammates of his decision during an emotional meeting this morning before the start of coach John Harbaugh's first minicamp."

Teams' QB fortunes can shift quickly

February 28

Baltimore Sun

columnist Bill Ordine

"Of course, now the Ravens have no real idea who will be their quarterback in 2008. At the recent NFL scouting combine, general manager Ozzie Newsome said McNair would be the starter at this moment but added a disclaimer - it's only February."

McNair rehabs injuries, plans to be Ravens' 2008 starter

February 15

Baltimore Sun

columnist Mike Preston

"Quarterback Steve McNair is rehabilitating his shoulder every day, either at the Ravens training facility in Owings Mills or in his home state of Tennessee. He has heard talk about his possible retirement and speculation that the Ravens might trade for Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb."

McNair Is Out for the Season

December 4

Washington Post

"The Baltimore Ravens placed quarterback Steve McNair on injured reserve Monday, ending a frustrating season for the 13-year veteran. He will undergo surgery on his left (non-throwing) shoulder Tuesday to repair a partially torn rotator cuff."

Ravens place McNair on IR

December 4

Baltimore Examiner

"Steve McNair will have season-ending surgery on his shoulder Tuesday and will not play for the remainder of the season after being placed on injured reserve, the Ravens announced Monday afternoon."

McNair's injury may determine switch to Boller

November 13

Baltimore Sun

"Reluctant all season to bench Steve McNair, coach Brian Billick might not have to take away the starting job from his struggling veteran after all. A newly discovered injury could do it for him."

Ravens Still Unsettled at Quarterback

November 13

Washington Post

"Even Steve McNair seemed resigned to the possibility that he would be replaced as the starting quarterback of the Baltimore Ravens this week, as he spoke with reporters Sunday following another turnover-laden, ineffective performance."

Shoulder injury could bench McNair

November 13

Baltimore Examiner

"Steve McNair’s status for Sunday’s game against Cleveland is uncertain after the embattled quarterback said he hurt his left shoulder during a 21-7 loss to Cincinnati on Sunday."

Twist of faith

November 13

Baltimore Sun

columnist Mike Preston

"We were all hanging around the Castle yesterday wondering when the envelope was going to be opened. Was it going to be Steve McNair or Kyle Boller? And the winner is ... no one."

McNair's run as starting QB has hit the finish line

November 12

Baltimore Sun

columnist David Steele

"Before the game, Steve McNair spoke up for himself. After the game, his teammates spoke up for him. But his actions have spoken louder than any of their words. His actions are screaming out: This is the end."

Time for McNair to call a reverse

November 11

Baltimore Sun

"At a time when the season could be slipping away from the Ravens, there are no more excuses for their offense and besieged quarterback Steve McNair."

Time for Ravens to make a change

November 9

Baltimore Examiner

"For Owner Steve Bisciotti and General Manager Ozzie Newsome, the rebuilding project should start now. And their first order of business should be to draw up plans to send Billick and McNair packing, as soon as the Ravens conclude this lost season against the playoff-bound Steelers on Dec. 30."

McNair a Steelers spoiler

November 3

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"Only three members of the Steelers' defense were around in 2000 when, with just three plays, Steve McNair showed why he might be the most difficult quarterback they have ever had to defend."

McNair Is Rested and Ready for Ravens

November 2

Washington Post

"Derrick Mason noticed a difference in Steve McNair as the Baltimore Ravens practiced Thursday. The veteran quarterback was back with the starting offense after a three-week respite to allow some nagging injuries to heal."

Boller vs. McNair

October 16

Baltimore Sun

"In allowing injured Steve McNair to rest for another week, the Ravens are adamant about avoiding an unwanted pain -- a quarterback controversy."

Boller likely to step up in the pocket

October 15

Baltimore Sun

"Ravens quarterback Steve McNair is 'unlikely' to start Sunday's road game against the Buffalo Bills, coach Brian Billick said. McNair was sidelined with a back injury for yesterday's 22-3 win over the St. Louis Rams."

McNair needs to get into the zone

October 14

Baltimore Sun

"Eight seasons ago, Steve McNair led his team to the Super Bowl against the St. Louis Rams. Today, whether or not he is healthy enough to face the Rams at M&T Bank Stadium, there are questions about whether he can consistently lead the Ravens to the end zone."

Injury could sideline McNair

October 13

Baltimore Sun

"Ravens quarterback Steve McNair missed his second straight practice with a stiff back, and his status is considered a game-time decision for tomorrow's contest against the winless St. Louis Rams."

Hurt McNair skips practice, still likely to start Sunday

October 12

Baltimore Sun

"Ravens quarterback Steve McNair missed practice yesterday because of a stiff back, but the Ravens seem confident that he will start Sunday against the winless St. Louis Rams."

Can McNair go the distance?

September 26

Baltimore Examiner

"A year after silencing critics who said he was prone to injury, Ravens quarterback Steve McNair has yet to play a complete game this season."

QBs might rerun route

September 25

Baltimore Sun

"Ravens coach Brian Billick said he would continue to monitor starting quarterback Steve McNair and wouldn't rule out removing him for Kyle Boller late in a game again."

Billick Says He May Continue Platoon at QB

September 25

Washington Post

"One day after Boller replaced starter Steve McNair in the fourth quarter against the Arizona Cardinals and led the Ravens to a winning field goal, Coach Brian Billick said he has no qualms turning to Boller in late-game situations as McNair continues to recover from a strained groin."

Billick can't lose balance on QBs

September 25

Baltimore Sun

columnist Mike Preston

"Ravens coach Brian Billick is now walking a fine line between his top two quarterbacks, and a mistake here could cause his entire team to fall."

Three quarters of McNair feels lot less than whole

September 24

Baltimore Sun

columnist David Steele

"So sure - why not? - an early rest for McNair couldn't hurt, and it's nice to know Boller can handle the closer's duties. Nevertheless, there is now less reason than last week to feel comfortable about the Ravens' quarterback situation."

McNair decides to pass on issue of race, QBs

September 20

Baltimore Sun

""No Donovan McNabb questions, please," McNair said with a smile after practice in Owings Mills. The Philadelphia Eagles quarterback's comments on a national television show Tuesday night about black quarterbacks in the NFL being judged more critically and facing more pressure than their white counterparts remain a touchy subject, and one that McNair, a 13-year veteran, wouldn't touch."

July 11

Washington Post

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"The drunken driving-related charge against Baltimore Ravens quarterback Steve McNair was dismissed in a Nashville court yesterday, and McNair likely will avoid disciplinary action by the NFL."