Image courtesy of clevelandleader.com

Robert Bailey, who as a defensive back for six teams over the course of 11 years, recalls the lack of assistance sought by players in trouble, “In all my time playing and in 10 years of working with players since I retired, I can’t remember one guy, not one, who asked for help.”

Authorities believe that McKinley committed suicide by inflicting a fatal gunshot wound to his head because he was suffering from depression. His second season in a row was ended due to knee surgery.

Even though there are many services in place such as counseling and trained staff available to players who need to effectively deal with issues plaguing their finances, family or what have you, they are not often used.

Nonetheless, tragedies persist in the league among unknowns like McKinley and better known players alike. Art Schlichter, former quarterback struggles with gambling addictions while Dimitrius Underwood and Alonzo Spellman are severely bipolar, to name a few.

Related posts:

1. Denver Broncos player death being called a suicide
2. Houston Rockets center Yao Ming and his foot injury
3. Lleyton Hewitt encounters hand injury
4. Singer commits suicide at festival
5. Red Sonja Suffers Injury Blow?