Steve McNair's Infidelity Was His Fatal Flaw

Steve McNair’s death is a tragedy to those who cared about him; from his family members to his fans to those he helped in Nashville and beyond. But the simple fact is, McNair brought it on himself. 

Yes, McNair was an incredible football player who once led his Tennessee Titans to the Super Bowl and was once named co-MVP of the league. He fought through injuries throughout his career and will always be remembered as one of the toughest quarterbacks ever to play. Everyone loved his tenacity and will to win. 

He was a pillar in the community. Whether it was the things he did with his own foundation or helping victims of Hurricane Katrina or countless other good deeds, he was an everyday hero to the less fortunate. Everyone loved his charity. 

But anyone who cheats on his spouse ultimately will pay for it. Ask Bill Clinton, who was one of the greatest presidents in U.S. history but whose personal failure led to his public undoing.  

Usually, the punishment for infidelity is not death, but in this tragic case, McNair paid the ultimate price. No matter who killed him, the fact is that if he had not been messing around with a 20-year-old girl, he would still be alive. 

Did he deserve to die? Absolutely not. He made the most of his 36 years of life, giving back to others through his deeds on the field and off. But his ill-advised dalliance with a barely legal girl was a flaw that turned out to be quite fatal.  

Let it be a lesson to all athletes—heck, to all people. When you mess with the emotions of others, when you create a complex life of lies, chances are many people will be hurt. And, in shocking situations like this, some fatally so. 

As much as he succeeded as a player and humanitarian, the simple fact is that McNair failed as a husband. And that, quite sadly, is why he is dead.