Former Falcons CB takes his own life after killing five people
An awful tragedy took place in the state of South Carolina on Wednesday, and former Atlanta Falcons corner Phillip Adams is at the center of it all.
According to the York County Sheriffs’ office, Phillip Adams opened fire on Wednesday, resulting in the injuries of six people, five of whom were pronounced dead and the other has “serious gunshot wounds.”
The sheriff’s office has said that of those who have died is a well-known doctor Robert D. Leslie, his wife, and their two grandchildren.
Phillip Adams then took his own life after a standoff with the police at his house.
It is unknown at the time why the former Falcons player did what he did this, and it is certainly hard to fathom.
According to The U.S. Sun, Phillip had a previous record with the law:
"He was charged with simple assault and battery in 2009, and was acquitted of the charge in a bench trial, according to South Carolina court records. He was also convicted of several York County traffic charges, including driving under suspension and failure to maintain proof of insurance."
It is difficult to explain how he could escalate to this awful act, but it does seem like his former career in the NFL may have something to do with it. Phillip Adams father, Alonzo Adams said the following about his son to a local station WCNC-TV:
"“I can say he’s a good kid, he was a good kid, and I think the football messed him up. He didn’t talk much and he didn’t bother nobody.”"
CTE is certainly a huge issue among the NFL.
It is a pretty new health issue that can affect players greatly, and make them do crazy things. Certainly, this could have played a part in Phillip Adams decision to open fire.
Hopefully, examiners and others will be able to shed some light on what went on. It seems right now like a random act that resulted in the worst outcome.
A look at Phillip Adams career in the NFL, and with the Atlanta Falcons
Some Atlanta Falcons fans may remember Phillip Adams from his short time with the team.
He, in fact, was one of the first players, that then-new head coach Dan Quinn signed in the 2015 offseason. He signed a one-year deal to come in and be a projected backup to guys like Robert Alford and Desmond Trufant.
He played in a total of 13 games in 2015, in what would end up being his last season in the NFL. He ended the year with one interception, four passes defended, one forced fumbles, and 38 combined tackles.
One play that sticks out from his time with the Atlanta Falcons, was in week 16 against the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers at the time were 14-0, and were heavily favored for the game. Two weeks before, the Panthers walked all over the Falcons in a 38-0 beating.
Right before halftime, Cam Newton threw a pass deep and it was right to the awaiting arms of Phillip Adams. Adams snagged the pass and as his second foot was landing, the Panthers were able to hit the ball out for an incompletion.
The Falcons did end up pulling off a major upset over the Panthers, but at the time that dropped interception seemed like it could come back to bite the Falcons.
Before his time with the Falcons, he had spent time with 4 other teams. Those included the 49ers who drafted him in the 7th round of the 2010 NFL draft, then the Seahawks, Raiders, and Jets.
We all hope the best for those affected by this major tragedy in South Carolina
This is certainly one of the worst things that can happen to a family.
For all of those affected, including the families of the victims, and the Adams family, we pray for you through this awful time. All of us Falcons fans hope and wish them the best.