Steve McNair: Hero or Zero?

Steve McNair was laid to rest Saturday. 

The former quarterback of the Tennessee Titans (formerly the Houston Oilers) and Baltimore Ravens was widely loved and respected as evidenced by the huge turnout for his memorial service by celebrities and fans alike. 

Ever since he was chosen third in the 1995 draft by the Houston Oilers after coming out of Division I-AA school Alcorn State, McNair has been synonymous with perseverance and toughness on the football field. 

He is well respected for these attributes and definitely should be based on his well documented NFL career.

 Unfortunately, it now appears the toughness and perseverance, the loyalty and grit shown by McNair only was exhibited between the white lines of the football field. 

A husband and father of four, McNair was gunned down by a crazed girlfriend at a friend’s condo while shacking up with her. His exploits with the 20 year-old Iranian girl are well documented as are the trips they took together and vehicle he provided for her.  

I’m not naive: I understand that many pro athletes don’t live under the same standards and guidelines that many of us do. That still doesn’t stop me from being disappointed and disgusted by McNair’s behavior.

And how stupid was he? 

He obviously felt comfortable enough to nap in front of a distraught and suicidal girlfriend who proceeded to aim a gun at his head, take his life and shoot him three more times for good measure before killing herself. 

Not a real good judge of character nor an astute reader of people was he?

The good people who laid him to rest and came to his funeral obviously revered the man and that’s great for them. 

But please, keep all references to how heroic Steve McNair was to his exploits on the football field, his personal life left a bunch to be desired.