PITTSBURGH, Jan. 18 (UPI) -- A Pittsburgh neuropathologist says he has evidence Eagles safety Andre Waters suffered brain damage during his football career that led to his suicide.
Dr. Bennett Omalu told the New York Times he determined in an examination of Waters' brain that the tissue was that of an 85-year-old man in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease. Waters, who played for Philadelphia from 1984 to 1993 and for the Arizona Cardinals for two seasons, was 44 when he shot himself in November.
Omalu's findings throw a spotlight on the brain injuries suffered by athletes involved in contact sports. A doctor with ties to the National Football League said a study is planned of retired players and the effect of concussion.
Chris Nowinski, a former Harvard football player and pro wrestler who suffers from migraines after repeated concussions, brought Waters' death to Omalu's attention. Omalu also examined the brains of two Pittsburgh Steelers players, one who became homeless and the other who died by his own hand.
Nowinski found an interview with the Philadelphia Inquirer where Waters said he "lost count" of his concussions and another item about Waters suffering a seizure after a concussion.
