The American Football League was shocked when player Jovan Belcher (Kansas team) suddenly killed his girlfriend, then went to thank and committed suicide right in front of the coach and general manager of the team.

Kansas City Chiefs players mourned their ill-fated teammate before Sunday’s match.

Police have not found any motive in Belcher’s personal life or work that led to such a deadlocked and terrible act. But there have been criticisms that football is too violent and can cause brain damage in players.

It all happened on Saturday (December 1, US time). The night before, he and his girlfriend argued after she went to see an R&B concert.

Belcher shot his girlfriend to death right in front of his mother’s house in Kansas City. The player then drove to the team’s practice field and shot himself in front of coach Romeo Crennel and general manager Scott Pioli after thanking them for what they had done for him over the years.

Belcher’s tragedy has shaken American sports and cast a somber mood at Arrowhead Stadium. Whether it was because of the opposing quarterback’s death or not, the Carolina Panthers lost this match on Sunday, despite the Kansas City Chiefs having previously lost eight consecutive games.

The victory has also brought great motivation to the entire Kansas City Chiefs team and, as player Brady Quinn said, they have become more united after Belcher’s tragedy.

Belcher with his girlfriend and newborn daughter.

Apart from the shooting of his girlfriend, Belcher is one of a number of American football players who have taken their own lives. Recently, there was Junior Seau in May, Ray Easterling in April and Dave Duerson last year. In total, six football players have committed suicide by shooting and hanging since February 2011.

These deaths have raised concerns about brain damage in American football players, although there is no evidence that Belcher was mentally ill. However, many players have previously passed out during matches and many experts believe that this sport is too violent.

Belcher’s friends believe that brain damage, painkiller abuse and alcohol are the causes of his mental instability. Previously, the brain damage caused him to experience a short period of temporary amnesia.

Belcher’s actions left his 3-month-old daughter an orphan.