Filed under: Football
"Although the death of McKinley appears to be the result of a self inflicted gunshot, the investigation into this matter, conducted by the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office and the Arapahoe County Coroner's Office, is on-going, " Arapahoe County Sheriff Grayson Robinson said.
"Everyone with the Broncos is shocked and saddened by the loss of Kenny McKinley," President and CEO Pat Bowlen said on the Broncos' website. "He was part of the Broncos family and will be greatly missed by our organization. My most heartfelt condolences go out to Kenny's family and friends."
McKinley was a fifth round pick in the 2009 NFL Draft. He has been injured a great deal as of late, and was put on injured reserve for the start of the 2010 season. He is the third player on the Broncos team to die suddenly in the past three years. Three years ago, Darrent Williams was killed in a drive-by shooting, and the same year, Damien Nash collapsed and died during a charity basketball game.
I am not sure what the situation is in Denver and why so many young black athletes have died after joining the Broncos. At this point, my mind runs wild with speculation and questions. I can't help but wonder if McKinley's on-the-field problems played a role in this suicide or if it was just a coincidence. Either way, he was too young to die, and we can all agree on that.
Dr. Boyce Watkins is the founder of the Your Black World Coalition and a Scholarship in Action Resident of the Institute for Black Public Policy. To have Dr. Boyce commentary delivered to your email, please click here.