Sports

Belcher death stuns Chiefs, NFL community

Shock and sadness blanketed the NFL yesterday in the wake of Chiefs linebacker Jovan Belcher’s suicide at Arrowhead Stadium.

Belcher, who was a native of West Babylon, Long Island, fatally shot his girlfriend at their home, then drove to the stadium and committed suicide in front of his coach and general manager, thanking them for all they’d done before turning the gun on himself.

Authorities did not release a possible motive for the murder-suicide, though police said Belcher, 25, and his girlfriend, 22-year-old Kasandra M. Perkins, had argued recently. The couple has a 3-month-old daughter.

Belcher thanked general manager Scott Pioli and coach Romeo Crennel before shooting himself in the parking lot of the team’s practice facility, police spokesman Darin Snapp said.

CHIEFS LB FATALLY SHOOTS GIRLFRIEND, KILLS SELF IN FRONT OF COACH & GM

BELCHER MOURNED BY LONG ISLAND HOMETOWN

VACCARO: MURDER-SUICIDE LEAVES COUNTLESS QUESTIONS

“This is part of the tragedy of urban living in this country,” Kansas City Mayor Sly James told reporters.

“Handguns all over the place, people blowing themselves away, and others. At some point we have to get a handle on this kind of stuff. We are not doing a good job of it.”

Belcher, who played college football at Maine, signed with the Chiefs as an undrafted free agent in 2009 and eventually became a starter. Belcher had played in all 11 games this season, starting 10.

“I am devastated by this mornings events,” tweeted Chiefs teammate and fellow linebacker Tamba Hali. “I want to send my thoughts and prayers out to everyone effected (sic) by this tragedy.’’

The Chiefs, who are scheduled to play host to the Panthers at 1 p.m. (Eastern) today, announced late yesterday afternoon “after discussions between the league office, head coach Romeo Crennel and Chiefs team captains” the game would be played. A team spokesman told the Associated Press Crennel plans to coach today.

“Jovan was a happy, proud father, with pictures of his baby on his Facebook page,” Belcher’s agent, Joe Linta, told SI.com’s Peter King. “Something went crazy wrong, and we’ll probably never know what it is.

“He came to my youth clinics in the offseason and worked with kids. He was a gracious, unselfish, hard-working, dedicated kid — very, very caring of some of the underprivileged kids who came to the clinics. I saw him in a real positive way.

“I never take on anyone as a client I wouldn’t be proud to take home and spend time with my wife and kids. Jovan was one of those type of people.’’

Chiefs chairman and CEO Clark Hunt released a statement.

“The entire Chiefs family is deeply saddened by today’s events, and our collective hearts are heavy with sympathy, thoughts and prayers for the families and friends affected by this unthinkable tragedy, ‘’ Hunt said. “We sincerely appreciate the expressions of sympathy and support we have received from so many in the Kansas City and NFL communities, and ask for continued prayers for the loved ones of those impacted.’’

Jets owner Woody Johnson took to Twitter to express his sympathy.

“Our sympathies and prayers go out to the Kansas City Chiefs organization and all those affected by this horrible tragedy,” Johnson wrote.