Report: Jovan Belcher Likely Had CTE

Former Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Jovan Belcher likely had CTE – chronic traumatic encephalopathy – according to post-mortem analysis of Belcher’s brain. This is being reported by the Kansas City’s Star’s Sam Mellinger.

Here’s his report:

"A post-mortem analysis of Jovan Belcher’s brain found the 25-year-old linebacker was likely suffering from chronic traumatic encephalopathy, The Star has learned.The analysis was performed in New York at the request of lawyers representing Zoey Belcher, the daughter of Jovan Belcher and Perkins. The results can be used in ongoing litigation."

On December 1, 2012, Belcher killed his girlfriend Kasandra Perkins in her home before driving to the facilities at Arrowhead Stadium and killing himself in front of then head coach Romeo Crennel and general manager Scott Pioli. He was only 25 years old.

CTE is said to be a common brain degenerative disease that is common amongst individuals who suffer repeated trauma to the brain. Those with CTE have been found to have developed dementia, aggression, confusion, and depression.

Some data suggests football players are more likely to develop CTE because of the amount of large and small blows to the head they receive throughout the course of their careers. There is still more studying to be done about the disease but it has already been found in players such as Junior Seau, Mike Webster, and Chris Henry.