In a shocking incident on Park Avenue in Manhattan, a gunman identified as Shane Tamura, 27, allegedly entered a skyscraper and opened fire, resulting in the deaths of four individuals and critically injuring another. New York City Mayor Eric Adams indicated that Tamura may have been targeting NFL offices within the building. After the attack, Tamura took his own life, leaving behind a troubling note that suggested he feared he had chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease commonly associated with football players.
Shane Tamura, who played high school football in California, was recognized as a standout running back, as reported by a 2014 article in The Santa Clarita Valley Signal. His impressive performance on the field earned him admiration, but it is now suggested that his experiences with football may have led to his tragic actions. The police recovered a three-page note in Tamura's wallet which expressed his desire for his brain to be studied for CTE and accused the NFL of hiding the dangers associated with football.
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a progressive brain disease characterized by the accumulation of abnormal tau proteins. This condition can lead to severe mood swings, suicidal ideation, dementia, and other detrimental effects. CTE is particularly prevalent among athletes in contact sports, especially football, due to the frequent concussions and head impacts they endure. Currently, there is no method for diagnosing CTE in living individuals, making awareness and research critical.
A 2017 study revealed alarming statistics: 177 out of 202 former football players examined posthumously had signs of CTE, indicating a staggering prevalence rate of nearly 88%. Furthermore, a recent survey from Harvard University involving 1,980 retired professional football players from 1960 to 2020 found that approximately one-third believed they had CTE. Among those surveyed, over 230 former players reported experiencing suicidal thoughts, while 176 had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia.
The NFL has faced intense scrutiny regarding its handling of CTE research and the health of its players. In 2016, a congressional committee uncovered attempts by the NFL to influence the grant selection process for studies on brain injuries. Bennet Omalu, a forensic pathologist, gained notoriety for discovering CTE in a former NFL player during a 2002 autopsy. His findings were met with resistance from the NFL, which accused him of fraud.
A 2009 exposé by GQ Magazine highlighted Omalu's work and the backlash he faced from the league. The narrative surrounding CTE gained mainstream attention with the 2015 film adaptation of Omalu's research, prompting many fans to reconsider the safety of football. Several former players who have sued the NFL allege that the league has consistently downplayed the risks associated with head trauma.
In the wake of increased awareness regarding CTE, the NFL has implemented measures aimed at protecting players from head injuries. This includes a five-point protocol that players must pass before returning to play following a concussion, which is reviewed annually. The league is also investing in advanced helmet technologies designed to reduce the occurrence of concussions. However, a spokesperson for the NFL has not yet commented on the recent shooting incident or its connection to CTE.
There is a growing body of evidence linking CTE with violent behaviors. Numerous former NFL players who died by suicide have been found to have exhibited signs of this condition. Notable cases include Dave Duerson, who left a request for his brain to be studied for CTE before taking his own life in 2011. A year later, Junior Seau, a renowned linebacker, also died by suicide, with similar findings in his brain.
Another high-profile case is that of Aaron Hernandez, a former New England Patriots player with a history of violence. After being convicted of murder in 2015, Hernandez took his life in jail at the age of 27. Post-mortem examinations revealed one of the most severe cases of CTE recorded in a player of his age.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of self-harm or suicide, it is vital to seek help. The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline can be reached by calling or texting 988 for immediate support.
