The Associated Press reported Wednesday that Broncos wide receiver Kenny McKinley had large gambling debts before he committed suicide.
An investigative report by the the Arapahoe County Sheriffs Department was released to the AP, which detailed the findings. McKinleys friends and family revealed his significant gambling debts. The 23-year-old also spoke with three different friends about suicide before he took his own life on September 21.
McKinley borrowed $65,000 from former teammate Tom Brandstater, a fact which the Broncos were surprisingly aware of. Harold Chatman, the teams teams player development director, was asked by Brandstaters lawyer to hold on to a contract stating McKinley would repay the loan.
Brandstater, now a free agent, was a close friend that tried to help McKinley quit gambling. Las Vegas casinos sent many letters to McKinleys parents home, looking for money.
The news adds a sad postscript to a very sad story of a life lost too soon. We wish the McKinley family the best as they continue to grieve for their son.