Did a brain injury spur ex-Umaine, NFL linebacker to murder, suicide? Family exhumes body for answers

The family of former Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Jovan Belcher, who shot and killed his girlfriend before taking his own life, had his body exhumed in hopes that having Belchers brain examined will reveal answers as to why the former University of Maine football star shot Kasandra Perkins nine times before turning the gun on himself.

It is believed to be the first exhumation of a former NFL player.

Belcher killed Perkins the morning of Dec. 1, 2012, then drove to the teams facility and killed himself.

If his brain had been examined [when he died], wed have a better understanding of why he did what he did, said Dr. Bennet Omalu, who is credited with discovering the brain disease chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE. We would have a better understanding about concussions and playing football, and we would advance the understanding of the science of all of this.

Last weekend, Belchers former college team drew almost 8,000 football fans to Alfond Stadium for UMaines first-ever NCAA home playoff game. Many passed under a mural depicting 20 of the programs greats who went to play in the NFL.

Until last December, that mural had 21 names. Belchers name and photo were removed shortly after the murder-suicide.

These acts, not his football prowess, are now his only legacy.

One year later, many questions linger about Belchers decision to commit such a heinous act, including new evidence raised in national media that his concussion history could have played a role in his actions.

However, Belchers alcohol use, relationship problems, injuries, immaturity and the inherent pressure of the NFL were also likely factors that led to the tragic day.

One unidentified friend told Deadspin.com after Belchers death that the linebacker was drinking daily and taking painkillers to mask injuries. Belchers autopsy revealed he had a blood-alcohol level of .17 twice the legal limit in Missouri on the day of the shootings.

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Did a brain injury spur ex-Umaine, NFL linebacker to murder, suicide? Family exhumes body for answers