Gridiron Great, Junior Seau Dead of Self-Inflicted Gunshot Wound

By Alicia Cruz
The Black Urban Times

Retired gridiron star, Junior Seau, a former linebacker for the San Diego Chargers was reportedly found dead of a self inflicted gunshot wound in his Oceanside, California home Wednesday afternoon.

Web site TMZ.COM originally reported the story saying, "Multiple law enforcement officials" were investigating a shooting at Seau's home. Prior to Seau's housekeeper discovering his body, the 43-year-old NFL great reportedly sent text messages to his ex-wife and three kids yesterday saying, "Love you," the North County Times reported.

***SEE NORTH COUNTY TIMES EXCLUSIVE***

Born Tiaina Baul "Junior" Seau, Jr in San Diego, was the fifth child of Tianina Seau, Sr. and Luisa Mauga Seau of Aunu'u, American Samoa. Tianina's grandfather was a village chief in Pago Pago the capital of American Samoa.

The 248 lb linebacker was drafted fifth overall by the San Diego Chargers during the 1990 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Southern California after attending Oceanside High School where he excelled in football, basketball, and track and field.

A ten-time All-Pro and 12-time Pro Bowl selection, Seau became one of the most popular players on the Chargers, earning the nickname "Tasmanian Devil."

There have not been any confirmed reports that Seau appeared to be depressed or suicidal prior to the shooting.

In 2010 Seau drove his car off a cliff following  an alleged assault on a woman. He later denied reports that he attempted to kill himself saying he fell asleep at the wheel of his car.

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