Breaking News: Steve McNair Shot and Killed in Nashville

Image: Dr Boyce Watkins with Steve McNair in 2004

Media outlets are reporting that former NFL MVP Steve McNair has been shot and killed in Nashville, TN. The incident is being reported as either a double homicide or murder suicide, depending on the outlet. McNair, 36, was found to have died from several gunshot wounds in the apartment of Sahel Kazemi, a 20-year old woman with whom he was associated. Kazemi had been arrested for a DUI just 2 days earlier, driving a vehicle belonging to both she and McNair. McNair was the third overall draft choice by the Houston Oilers (now the Tennessee Titans) in 1995. He led the team to one Super Bowl and was named co-MVP in 2003.

McNair was considered one of the toughest quarterbacks in football, with 31,304 passing yards and 174 touchdowns.

There is some speculation that the murder may have had to do with the fact that McNair was found with a 20-year old woman who was not his wife. Conflicting reports are stating that his wife was in Mississippi at the time of the shooting.

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Latest Photos From Iran

Iranian Mohsen Kadivar (R) leads demonstrators in prayer during a vigil to remember those killed following protests in Iran, outside the Iranian embassy in New York June 19, 2009. REUTERS/Lucas Jackson (UNITED STATES POLITICS CONFLICT)

Reuters

A demonstrator gestures during a vigil to remember those killed following protests in Iran, outside the Iranian embassy in New York June 19, 2009. REUTERS/Lucas Jackson (UNITED STATES POLITICS CONFLICT)

Reuters

Demonstrators pray during a vigil to remember those killed following protests in Iran, outside the Iranian embassy in New York June 19, 2009. REUTERS/Lucas Jackson (UNITED STATES POLITICS CONFLICT)

Reuters

Demonstrators listen to a speaker during a peaceful gathering to protest the election results in Iran, outside the Iranian embassy in New York June 19, 2009. REUTERS/Lucas Jackson (UNITED STATES POLITICS CONFLICT)

Reuters

A demonstrator holds a banner during a demonstration to protest human rights abuses in Iran, outside Iranian Embassy in Bucharest, Romania, Friday, June 19, 2009. (AP Photo)

A demonstrator holds a banner during a rally to protest the outcome of the presidential election in Iran, outside the Iranian Embassy in Bucharest, Romania, Friday, June 19, 2009. (AP Photo)

A demonstrator holds his baby near a banner, during a rally to protest the outcome of the presidential election in Iran, outside the Iranian Embassy in Bucharest, Romania, Friday, June 19, 2009. (AP Photo)

Demonstrators pray during a vigil to remember those killed following protests in Iran, outside the Iranian embassy in New York June 19, 2009. REUTERS/Lucas Jackson (UNITED STATES POLITICS CONFLICT)

Reuters

Demonstrators organized by several groups, including Reporters Without Borders, hold banners during a demonstration to protest human rights abuses in Iran, outside Spain's Foreign Ministry in central Madrid, Friday, June 19, 2009. Protesters carried banners reading, 'Where is my vote?' and 'For a secular Iran' and 'Human rights for Iran'.(AP Photo/Daniel Ochoa de Olza)

2008 Deaths

Odetta Holmes
"The Voice of the Civil Rights Movement" was a singer, actress, guitarist, songwriter and activist.
December 31 1930 - December 2 2008.

Ray Tamarra , Getty

Bernie Mac
Comedian, Actor
Oct. 5, 1957 - Aug. 9, 2008.

Isaac Hayes
Singer, songwriter, record producer, composer and actor.
August 20, 1942 - August 10, 2008

Reuters

Miriam Makeba, "Mama Africa"
South African folk singer and anti-apartheid activist.
March 4, 1932 - November 10, 2008.

Reuters

Jennifer Hudson's 57-year-old mother, Darnell Donerson, brother, Jason, and 7-year-old nephew, Julian King, were killed in 2008.

Shakir Stewart
The Island Def Jam executive who became head of the legendary rap label following Jay-Z's departure, killed himself on Nov. 1. He was 34 years old.

Getty

George Carlin
Stand-up comedian, actor and author.
May 12, 1937 - June 22, 2008

Getty Images

Madelyn Dunham
Barack Obama's grandmother
October 26, 1922 - Nov 3, 2008.

Getty Images

Levi Stubbs
Oct. 17: The iconic lead singer, second from left, who gave voice to Four Tops classics like "Reach Out I'll Be There" and "Baby I Need Your Loving" died at 72 from complications of cancer and a stroke. Abdul Fakir, far left, is now the sole living member of the original quartet.

Corbis

Dee Dee Warwick
Oct. 18: The soul songstress died after months of declining health. Warwick, the sister of soul legend Dionne, also achieved a great deal of success, both as a solo artist as well as with her sister.

Corbis

Steve McNair's best friend Robert Gaddy gave this account to The Tennessean:

"It was like something you might imagine seeing on TV or in the movies, but never imagine you would see it first-hand, to have that happen to someone you love. I am still shook up,'' Gaddy said.

"When I walked in I knew it immediately (something was wrong). I didn't have to touch him. I called 911 and told them they needed to get there. I was holding my breath and hoping it wasn't true. I didn't want to touch him but I saw blood on my best friend and I was almost panicking myself. It looked like he was gone and I didn't want to believe it.''

"We are saddened and shocked to hear the news of Steve McNair's passing today," Titans owner Bud Adams said in a written statement released by the team. "He was one of the finest players to play for our organization and one of the most beloved players by our fans. He played with unquestioned heart and leadership and led us to places that we had never reached, including our only Super Bowl. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family as they deal with his untimely passing."

Dr. Boyce Watkins is a Finance Professor at Syracuse University. To get Dr Boyce commentary delivered directly to your email inbox, please click here.