On July 4, 2009, Steve McNair and Sahel 'Jenni' Kazemi were found dead with gunshot wounds in a condo that McNair had rented in Nashville. Legal Statement. It wasn't McNair's refusal to buckle to the poundings that showed his true character, George said. On July 4, 2009, at 1:35 p.m., a 911 call was placed to the Emergency Communications . JACKSON, Miss. "He established his business in the heart of the black community over at TSU to have a strong and powerful impact,"former Titans running back Eddie George said. Much is given, much is required that's kind of the motto that they live by.". The family requests everyone would allow them time to mourn. Norfolk Southern train derails in Springfield, Ohio, At least 12 dead after winter storm slams South, Midwest, Trump speaks at CPAC after winning straw poll, Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant to "take some time away" from the team after allegedly brandishing a gun in a club, Man charged for alleged involvement in 2 transformer explosions, Promising drug could provide alternative to statins, new study finds, 3 children killed, 2 others wounded at Texas home, Nikki Haley slams potential GOP contenders, and Trump and George W. Bush, NTSB to investigate in-flight turbulence that left 1 passenger dead. The Tragic Death of Kevin Mawae's Brother Redefined His Legacy of Faith and Football. His body was found, along with that of his alleged girlfriend . Photographs: AP. Kazemi, known as Jenny to her friends, fled Iran as a teenager with her family. George, like Mason, remembersbeing incredulous when he first heard the news about McNair. NFL and the NFL shield design are registered trademarks of the National Football League.The team names, logos and uniform designs are registered trademarks of the teams indicated. Reach Erik Bacharach atebacharach@tennessean.comand on Twitter @ErikBacharach. "This is so, so sad. McNair, 36, was among the best football quarterbacks of his era, an African-American excelling in a position typically dominated by whites. December 7, 2017. The Tennessean reconstructed the pair's final days through a study of 248 pages of law enforcement documents related to the investigation, taped interviews with witnesses, video footage and media coverage afterhis death. 1:51 p.m.: Neeley calls Moreland again. Were a platform for your news, your voice and your community. Fred McNair, Steve McNair's oldest brother, said some family members likely will travel to Nashville on Monday to consult with Steve McNair's wife. 12:30 a.m.: Ali drives Crowe, Crowe'sgirlfriend and McNair to Losers, a bar on Division Street. Ten years later, thoseclose to McNair reiterate one point but end at another. Nashville police spokesman Don Aaron says, "The gun was purchased Thursday evening, after the traffic stop, after the DUI arrest.". I dnt care where, 4:16 p.m. Kazemi: tell me u gonna be w me. 3 overall draft pick by the Houston Oilers in 1995, expectations were high, but McNair rarely played early in his NFL career. 11:06 AM. 12:06 a.m.: Kazemi and Norfleet text for the final time. Published Thursday, February 16, 2023. by Bonitta Best. But any will prior to the marriage would have been null and void under Tennessee law anyway, Cook said. McNairs wife, Mechelle, is not trying to exclude McNairs mother and two children he had with other women, his agent, James Bus Cook, told The Associated Press. McNair asks Gordon if he isgoing out. FameUSA TodayMcNair's Widow Gets Control of . They are all in our thoughts and prayers," he said "What we admired most about Steve when we played against him was his competitive spirit, and we were lucky enough to have that with us for two years. Two days ago, Nashville police arrested Kazemi on a DUI charge while driving a 2007 Escalade registered to her and McNair. Bucky Brooks, Rhett Lewis and Lance Zierlein are back with a new episode of Move the Sticks live from the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine. "Soon as he stepped in the huddle," Mason said, "everybody knew that we were going to win the game.". Final Season Stats. Kazemi later tells him that she was the one knocking on the door. October 19, 2009 / 8:13 AM / CBS. Kazemi drives too fast, andboth passengers tell her to slow down. When he arrives to pick up the car, a police officer tells Norfleet that Kazemi's boyfriend was in the car with her. She also purchased a gun. Steven has stuck to his story. One of McNairs final community efforts was opening Gridiron9, a since-closed restaurant on Jefferson Street intendedto give Tennessee State students an affordable place to eat. Sahel Kazemi, 20, was laid to rest in a modest brown casket after a 30-minute ceremony at Jacksonville Memory Gardens, Jacksonville, Florida. Steve McNair, a Mississippi native who starred at Alcorn State University and became a Heisman Trophy candidate, died on July 4, 2009. . There were the uncomfortable details that emerged in the days, weeks and months . In 1999, when the team was renamed the Titans and moved into its permanent home, McNair engineered a Super Bowl run. Time unknown: Kazemi's manager at Dave & Buster's, TonyFarahani, notices Kazemi spends almost an hour talking to an unidentified man at the restaurant. "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. But he started all five games and won them, leading the Titans to an 11-5 finish and a berth in the AFC championship game for the second time in four seasons. Not to mention McNair was a big family man. You be the judge. Serpas said detectives learned that Kazemi recently found out about another young woman she thought McNair was romantically involved with and had even followed that woman home, though she did not confront her. He was the epitome of a throwback player, who viewed pain-numbing shots as part of his equipment and saw opposing defenses as chum. The future of the NFL combine: Is there really a chance it could end forever? But now those closest to Kazemi -- speaking for the first time -- say they find that ruling impossible to believe. "I am deeply saddened to learn of today's tragic news regarding the death of Steve McNair. McNair was in the front seat, but didn't break the law and was allowed to leave by taxi. "Touchable. can u transfer 2000 to my acc, 10:21 a.m. Kazemi: baby I might need to go to the hospital. Co-worker Shantez Jobe, 33, said she was friends with Kazemi. Infidelity? The Guardian described the football player's tragic untimely demise as "a very modern love story." McNair was found dead in his apartment in Nashville, Tennessee, on July 4, 2009. A family man. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. The Titans gave me their tickets and I let them know that I had them, Mechelle said via a telephone call to WJTV. Gordon and McNair go to open the restaurant. Aaron said McNair's wife, Mechelle, is "very distraught. Exclusive Pictures: McNair's Lover Sahel Kazemi. 6:15 p.m.: Kazemi clocks in at Dave &Busters. The two return to Corner Pub. Michael Carlson. Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson put on a show Saturday at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine, making history during his highly anticipated workout. This series will look back on the Tennessee Titans franchise. The death of former NFL quarterback Steve McNair shocked people in Nashville and around the country. Steve McNair. Time unknown: Kazemi finds used condoms in the bathroom at McNairs downtown condo. Azadeh Kazemi, Jenny's sister, told us, "She wasn't angry enough to do something like that. Repeatedly. Family of Steve McNair dividing up estate despite lack of signed will. Players, coaches, etc. "Everybody goes through something in their marriage.". 10:45 p.m.-11 p.m.: Crowe calls Fowzi Said Ali of the Yellow Cab Co. to pick them up from Blue Moon Lagoon. "And I choose to focus on the good times, the great memories.". SI: True Crime's first narrative podcast, Steve McNair: Fall of a Titan will make you re-examine everything you think you know about the quarterback. Kazemi clocks out at Dave & Buster's. The Tennessee Titans opened LP Field for fans to watch video highlights of McNair's 13-year NFL career, look at photos of the quarterback and had a book for them to write messages that will be given to the family. He was named the NFLs Co-Most Valuable Player in 2003 along with Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning. "You couldn't script a better day for him throwing the football," NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah said. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. "He helped start that trend.". Kazemi does not mention anger toward McNair but does say at the end of the conversationMy life is just shit and I should end it.. You're in disbelief that even what you're hearing and how it happened, happened.". USA Today reported that the Metro Nashville Police Departmentconcluded Kazemi shot and killed McNair before shooting herself. 3 p.m.Kazemi: baby I wanna pay some of my bills b4 I go to wrk. Lover shot Super Bowl quarterback four times and then killed herself after suspecting he was seeing another woman, Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning, Former Tennessee Titans quarterback Steve McNair was shot dead by his girlfriend Sahel Kazemi. Trailing 23-16, the Titans had the ball and one play left at the Rams 10-yard line. "I'm pretty sure that (McNair) was dealing with some things that we don't know about," his teammate George said. McNair and the body of a 20-year-old woman named Sahel "Jenni" Kazemi were found hanging in the apartment McNair rented in downtown Nashville. Neeley then called another friend of McNair's, Robert Gaddy, who dialed 911 to alert authorities. But associate Mike Mu, who has worked with McNair's charitable association for years, said McNair's wife, Mechelle McNair, "didn't know who this girl is." Ozzie Newsome, Ravens executive vice president and general manager, said he immediately thought of McNair's four sons. Police said a pistol was discovered near the body of a woman also shot dead in a downtown condominium. All this bills n everythin else is stressin me out, 3:53 p.m.Kazemi: baby what are you doing, 4 p.m. McNair: At the pool with the kids. The pair met about six months ago at a middle-brow chain restaurant at a Nashville shopping mall where Kazemi worked as a waitress. October 19, 2009 / 8:13 AM NFL+ gives you the freedom to watch LIVE out-of-market preseason games, LIVE local and primetime regular season and postseason games on your phone or tablet, the best NFL programming on-demand, and MORE! "My life is a ball of shit," she told a friend the evening before the murder, according to police and "I should just end it". This figure represents a 2.6% increase from last year when the average cost of a breach was USD 4.24 million. "I am deeply saddened to learn of today's tragic news regarding the death of Steve McNair. "Nothing has been ruled out, but as far as actively looking for a suspect tonight, the answer would be no.". Mac never said anything to me about he was going to get a divorce, and ever since this has all happened everybody is trying to paint a certain picture and they need to talk about what they know," Gaddy told the newspaper. Then again, it feels even weirder that McNair's story already has an ending. "My thing, what I would say to this new generation or this new group coming in, respect and appreciate what you have now because you never know," Dyson said. 10:30 p.m.: Kazemi calls Polite and tells her shes going to McNairs condo. George remembers McNairmaking a speech before one of his camps. You don't have to look far to figure out which players George meant. Steven and Steve Jr. and McNairs sons from previous relationships. But he injured his groin during the season opener last season and never regained the form that put him in those Pro Bowls. Steve flew down to support Fred in his season-opening debut. Jordan McNair struggled through the final sprints of an offseason workout before receiving help. As for her money problems -- Kazemi's bank statement, seen on "The Early Show" for the first time, shows she had more than $2,500 dollars the day she died, enough to cover her bills. Two days before the shooting, police stopped Kazemi driving the Cadillac Escalade sport utility vehicle that McNair had given her for her birthday in May. Carson Wentz is determined to continue his playing career and the quarterback is open to various roles that could help a team, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Saturday. The two had been linked romantically despite the fact McNair was married. The Associated Press contributed to this report. I got the guy transferring the money, 4:01 p.m. Kazemi: do u have my acc number, 4:04 p.m. Kazemi: baby I have to be w u 2nite. C.J. Steve McNair would have turned 50 on Valentine's Day. The Spartans held Union Grove to 17 points in the first half as the Broncos finished with a postseason low of 51 points. 1:39 p.m.: The first officer arrives at the scene. "He was probably searching for something. Time unknown: Fowzi Said Ali, a cab driver who regularly picked up McNair, arrives at Corner Pub and drives McNair and Gordon to the Free at Last Bonding Co. McNair arranges Kazemi's bond. Beckett provides you latest pricing on 1999 Stadium Club Chrome #26 Steve McNair. . 1:17 a.m.: Gilliam texts Kazemi, "u good". Steve McNair, a former NFL quarterback with the Houston Oilers, Tennessee Titans, and Baltimore Ravens, was shot to death in Nashville on July 4, 2009. Polite spoke to Kazemi just hours before her death and says, "She sounded like normal, happy, bubbly Jenni. NASHVILLE Friends of Steve McNair say everything seemed normal. McNair played 10 seasons with the Oilers/Titans and two with the Baltimore Ravens. "He was the greatest person in the world. Steve McNair's death still hurts 14 years later. It's impossible not to equate McNair with one of the toughest guys to ever play the sport in the NFL. According to IBM, in their report Cost of a Data Breach 2022, "Reaching an all-time high, the cost of a data breach averaged USD 4.35 million in 2022. McNairwas exposed to the pressures marquee athletes face. 9 jersey worn by former quarterback Steve McNair later this season. All rights reserved. Former teammate Eddie George said not to judge McNair but honor what he did to make himself a hero to so many people. Agent Bus Cook said McNair's wife was "in and out" of it in the hours after the shooting. He got up and came back to the huddle to 10 other stunned teammates. The article, as were all of SIs stories back then, was fascinating remember SI writer Frank Deford? He later bailed her out. At 5 p.m. the same day, police say, she bought the murder weapon for $100 from Adrian Gilliam Jr., in a mall parking lot. The two were found dead by McNair's friends, Wayne Neeley and Robert Gaddy. McNairwas dancing with fire, saidGregg McCrary, a retired FBI agent who spent more than 25 years with the bureau, including about a decade with the Behavioral Science Unit. His girlfriend of eight months, 20-year-old waitress Sahel Kazemi, known as "Jenni," was found lying facedown near his feet with a single bullet wound to her right temple. He made at least $90 million in salary over his 13-year career with the Houston Oilers. LORMAN, Miss. It was a bit emotional that I wasnt there but you know things have to continue on and things have to go on.. "He could literally flip a switch and make the pain go away," Reese said. Nashville police spokesman Don Aaron confirme Kazemi wasnt his only mistress at the time of his death. At the time of the shooting, McNair was thought to be sleeping on the sofa. Nothing seemed amiss. 10:30 p.m.: McNair returns to Ignagnis apartment to spend the night. or redistributed. McNair had two children Steven L. McNair Jr. and Steven OBrian Koran McNair before marrying Mechelle McNair. 2:04 a.m. McNair to Kazemi: I love u baby, 2:09 a.m. Kazemi to McNair: Im gonna have all of u soon. I was holding my breath and hoping it wasn't true. Whether McNair's presence would have helped Young is just another unanswered question to add into the hundreds of others surrounding McNair's death. By 2 a.m. on July 4, police believe, both McNair and Kazemi were dead. Gaddy later said what he saw would haunt him every day for the rest of his life. ", Police announced the ruling after what they called "nearly four days of intensive investigation.". Projecting every College GameDay location ahead of the 2023 football season continues our way-too-early look at the new campaign, one we expect to be just as unpredictable as the last. She would describe this discovery to her friend, EmilyAndrews, during a phone call on July 2. As his brother recalls, McNair's life was all about exploring . 9-9:30 p.m.: FriendDoug Crowe talks to McNair, who tells him hed been fishing all day and was going to shower before meeting up with Crowe and his girlfriend. The strong-armed McNair was considered a game-changing warrior on the field. But police in Nashville, Tennessee said yesterday that they believe the death of Steve McNair, a quarterback who helped his side muscle into the Super Bowl nine years ago, was the result of an ancient motive: jealousy. More Stats. McNair played with pain for several years, and the injuries ultimately forced him to retire. It took McNair two years to ease his way into becoming a starting quarterback in the NFL. In the July 8 news conference, Serpas said, "She had become very distraught unraveling messed up She was spinning out of control.". I knew about HBCUs, of course, with Morgan State and Coppin State in the area, but didnt follow HBCU sports. The Houston Oilers selected him third overall in the 1995 NFL Draft, making him the highest drafted Black quarterback in NFL history at the time. I met McNair on May 27, 2000, when big brother Fred McNair and the original Air McNair by the way signed with the Carolina Cobras of the Arena Football League. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. On July 4, 2009, Steve McNair and Sahel Jenni Kazemi were found dead with gunshot wounds in a condo that McNair had rented in Nashville. 10:23 p.m. Kazemi: do u wanna get out n drink, 10:35 p.m. McNair: Probably not baby having trouble with the kids getting to sleep.