http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/writers/jim_trotter/05/02/junior.seau/index.html Full disclosure: Seau and I were friends, at least I like to think we were. I know reporters aren't supposed to admit such things, but people who tell you they haven't gotten close to a player they've covered are lying to you. The first professional beat I covered on a daily basis was the Chargers, in 1995. Seau was the first player I ran into when I reported for work. It was the offseason, and when I turned the corner into a nearly empty locker room at Qualcomm Stadium, Seau was heading for the training room. He looked back and saw me, then stopped and called me over. "So, you're the new guy?" he said. "Well, if you need anything call me. Here, take my number." I didn't know what to make of it because Seau and I had no previous relationship. Right away my antennae went up. I had heard Seau could be difficult with the media, and I couldn't help but wonder if I was being played. Over the years I learned that the offer was sincere. Not in the sense that Seau provided me with inside information -- to the contrary he was fiercely loyal when it came to his teammates and the organization, and he regularly stiff-armed me when I tried to get behind the curtain. What he was offering was help understanding the culture of the NFL and the unique dynamics of the locker room Jim Trotter always has great stuff. He worked for the San Diego Union tribune for many years. I have always enjoyed his work. He was on the Darren Smith show on 1090 am today. If you have the time, please give it a listen. Awesome stuff. Here is the link: http://wpc.31d2.edgecastcdn.net/8031D2/xxsportsl/common/global_audio/40/60712.mp3
This will be the one that changes the culture. I firmly believe his death won't be in vain. Change will officially be coming now.
Junior was the one player that went over and grabbed Ryan Leaf when he went off on Jay Posner with "Knock it off"
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/05/04/seaus-family-decides-to-allow-brain-to-be-studied/ [h=1]Seau’s family decides to allow brain to be studied[/h]Chargers chaplain Shawn Mitchell tells Sam Farmer of the Los Angeles Times that the family of Chargers linebacker Junior Seau has decided to allow his brain to be studied. Seau died Wednesday of a gunshot wound to the chest. His death has been ruled a suicide.
