The NFL and the NFL Players Association both “increased their mental health support resources for the Cowboys and other players across the league” in the wake of Cowboys DE Marshawn Kneeland‘s death yesterday. Kneeled died from a “self-inflicted gunshot wound after a police chase ended in Frisco.” Each NFL team, through a joint initiative from the league and NFLPA, has a “requirement that each team has a licensed mental health clinician on staff and on site.” A league spokesperson said that the league has “supplemented already practiced mental health services with additional access to mental wellness professionals for players and personnel with the Cowboys, and for players and personnel who knew Kneeland from their time in college or from previously playing on the Cowboys” (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 11/6).
Pro sports teams across the Dallas-Fort Worth area and around the country held “moments of silence for Kneeland” last night. The Stars “took time out before the start of their game” with the Ducks to hold a moment for Kneeland. The Broncos held a moment of silence for Kneeland at Empower Field at Mile High “prior to kickoff” of their “Thursday Night Football” matchup with the Raiders (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 11/6).