NFL Player Suicide: Paul Oliver Becomes Latest Former Football Player to Commit Suicide
Former San Diego Chargers defensive back Paul Oliver was found dead this week from what has been classified as a suicide.
Oliver's death is just the latest in a growing number of suicide cases among football players. Scientific studies and autopsies have concluded that players have suffered from CTE, a neurodegenerative brain disease caused by repetitive hits to the head during football.
Oliver was just 29 and left behind a wife and two kids.
"Everyone in the Chargers family is sad today after hearing the news about Paul," a statement from the Chargers said. "He was part of our family for five years. At just 29 years old, he still had a lifetime in front of him. Right now all of our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this most difficult time."
Longtime NFL star Junior Seau committed suicide in 2012 and an autopsy revealed that he, too, suffered from the brain disease.
The NFL reached a $765 million settlement just last month after the league was repeatedly criticized for not paying attention to the concerns surrounding health. According to the Chicago Tribune, the "league will pay for medical exams, concussion-related compensation, a medical research program, and legal expenses."
Oliver started and finished his career for the San Diego Chargers but did spend some time in New Orleans with the Saints. Oliver was drafted in the fourth round 2007. He was drafted out of the University of Georgia.
"League of Denial," a new documentary that will be on next month, will be discussing the health concerns and what people can do to put an end to it.
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