[ESPN.com] Kansas City Chiefs officials knew that linebacker Jovan Belcher and his girlfriend were having relationship problems, and the team provided the couple with counseling in an effort to help, a police official said.
Police Sgt. Richard Sharp told The Kansas City Star for a Tuesday story that the couple had been arguing over relationship and financial issues for months and that the team had been “bending over backward” trying to help them. Sharp didn’t specify how long the couple had been undergoing counseling.
The Star also reported Tuesday that Belcher kissed his girlfriend Kasandra Perkins on the forehead and apologized to her seconds after fatally shooting her. The scene reportedly was witnessed by Belcher’s mother, who was staying with the couple. Belcher then reportedly apologized to his mother, kissed his 3-month daughter, and left his home.
When Belcher arrived at Arrowhead on Saturday, he encountered Pioli in the parking lot and told him the assistance the team had offered hadn’t fixed the couple’s problems and now “it was too late,” Sharp said.
Pioli tried to persuade Belcher to put down his gun as Crennel and linebackers coach Gary Gibbs arrived at the scene.
Belcher thanked the men for everything the team had done for him and asked if Pioli and team owner Clark Hunt would take care of his daughter, The Star reported.
After that, Belcher reportedly said, “Guys, I have to do this.”
“I was trying to get him to understand that life is not over,” Crennel said Monday. “He still has a chance and let’s get this worked out.”
When Belcher heard police sirens approaching, he knelt behind a vehicle and shot himself in the head.
Investigators believe Belcher killed himself because he was distraught over shooting Perkins, Sharp said.
“He cared about her,” Sharp said. “I don’t think he could live with himself.”
