Former US rugby star Steve McNair shot dead

WASHINGTON - Former American football quarterback Steve McNair was shot and killed in Nashville, Tennessee, Saturday, Nashville police said.

McNair was found dead along with a woman whose identity has not yet been released. A murder investigation had been launched, said Don Aaron of the Metropolitan Nashville Police in broadcast remarks.

McNair, 36, played quarterback for the Houston Oilers, later known as the Tennessee Titans, from 1995 to 2005; and then for the Baltimore Ravens until his retirement in 2007.

Shortly before his retirement, McNair was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving even though he was the passenger, not the driver.

The driver, his brother-in-law, was also arrested.

Titans owner Bud Adams released a statement regarding McNair, saying he was “saddened and shocked” by the news of McNair’s death.

“He was one of the finest players to play for our organization and one of the most beloved players by our fans. He played with unquestioned heart and leadership and led us to places that we had never reached, including our only Super Bowl,” Adams said.

That January 2000 championship game was against the St Louis Rams.