Former NFL Player Phillip Adams Tested for “CTE”

Former NFL cornerback for the San Francisco 49ers, Phillip Adams, killed himself after fatally shooting five people. Adams entered the home and killed doctor Robert Lesslie. He also killed Lesslie’s wife and two children, whose ages were nine and five years old. Another victim by the name of John Lewis was killed at the scene.

When police received this report they immediately went to search for Adams but found he had killed himself before any arrests were made. 

Once events were over authorities released a statement that said Phillip Adams motive was known. Many were confused and in denial as to why such events happened.

After these events, the York Country Coroner’s Office declared that the body of Adams will receive an autopsy. The goal being to identify chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE.)

According to Mayo Clinic, this term describes brain degeneration likely caused by repeated head trauma. As a rare disorder not yet understood, this test may be identified through autopsy. CTE has been found in those who play contact sports as well as those in the military. 

Adams played football for most of his life. College football at South Carolina State and then his six-year NFL career. According to reports during the beginning of his sports career, he received an unfortunate ankle injury that left him unable to play for a while. And then when he played for the Raiders he suffered two concussions during separate games. Because of these various injuries, there is a possibility of it affecting his mental well-being. But the current state is unknown.

Adam’s father believed that football was the cause of his events stating in an interview with WCNC-TV. He says, “I can say he’s a good kid — he was a good kid, and I think the football messed him up.”

The case is still open and on-going.