"Handguns...exacerbate our flaws, tempt us to escalate arguments, and bait us into embracing....

[bluedigger]

53. If you didn't know he was a football player, he would have been the last person you expected.

"The Long Island, New York, native was a talented and versatile high school player at West Babylon High School, where he also played offensive tackle, nose guard and fullback and led his team to their first undefeated season as a senior.

Belcher also was a successful youth wrestler. He won three All-American selections in a sport he said on the Chiefs’ website helped him develop the character needed to try to break into the top U.S. professional league.

...

In fact, when Belcher was recruited by the University of Maine, it was as a wrestler, not as a football player, UMaine coach Jack Cosgrove said Saturday. The school took a chance with Belcher in his freshman year by putting him on the football team.

...

The linebacker started all 45 games while completing a degree in child development in just 3½ years, and his performances impressed enough to earn him reviews as one of the most promising players from a 'small school.' "
http://bangordailynews.com/2012/12/01/sports/belcher-battled-his-way-into-football-at-umaine-and-the-nfl/?ref=relatedSidebar

"Belcher was involved on campus with the Male Athletes Against Violence initiative and mentored a young man in the Big Brothers program, according to Bangor Daily News archives.

Members of Male Athletes Against Violence sign a pledge to educate themselves on domestic violence issues, to act as positive role models and to examine their own actions honestly."

http://bangordailynews.com/2012/12/01/news/state/at-umaine-belcher-was-involved-in-domestic-violence-awareness-group-impact-was-boundless/?ref=relatedSidebar

My emphasis

Something went very wrong in this young man's life, and brought great grief to those closest to him.