X

NFL players tweet prayers, perspective after murder-suicide

Teammates and other players express shock and offer condolences to the families of Kansas City Chiefs player Jovan Belcher and his girlfriend, Kasandra Perkins.

Steven Musil Night Editor / News
Steven Musil is the night news editor at CNET News. He's been hooked on tech since learning BASIC in the late '70s. When not cleaning up after his daughter and son, Steven can be found pedaling around the San Francisco Bay Area. Before joining CNET in 2000, Steven spent 10 years at various Bay Area newspapers.
Expertise I have more than 30 years' experience in journalism in the heart of the Silicon Valley.
Steven Musil
3 min read
Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Jovan Belcher. NFL.com

NFL players and teams have turned to Twitter to express their sorrow after learning that Kansas City Chiefs player Jovan Belcher shot his girlfriend to death before turning the gun on himself.

The 25-year-old linebacker shot Kasandra Perkins, 22, with whom he had an infant daughter, this morning before driving to Arrowhead Stadium, where he shot himself to death in front of Chiefs staff, the Kansas City Police Department said.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the Chiefs and the families and friends of those who lost their lives in this terrible tragedy," the NFL said in a statement that was also shared on Twitter. "We have connected the Chiefs with our national team of professional counselors to support both the team and the families of those affected. We will continue to provide assistance in any way that we can."

After early debate about whether the Chiefs should play the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, the league announced on Twitter that the teams would play as scheduled.

"After discussions between the league office, Head Coach Romeo Crennel, and Chiefs team captains, the Chiefs advised the NFL that the team will play tomorrow's game vs. the Carolina Panthers at the originally scheduled time," the NFL said in a series of tweets.

Like many NFL players, Belcher's teammates turned to Twitter to express their shock and offer condolences.

Fellow Chiefs linebacker Tamba Hali:

Chiefs offensive tackle David Mims:

Chiefs safety Kendrick Lewis:

Players for other teams also lent their support.

New York Jets quarterback Tim Tebow:

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Torrey Smith, who has been dealing with the recent death of his younger brother, offered prayers and perspective:

Former NFL wide receiver Chad Johnson wanted to be sure Perkins was not forgotten in the outpouring of support: