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Reports surfaced this week that Denver Broncos wide receiver Kenny McKinley apparently racked up over $100,000 in gambling debts prior to his September 21 suicide that sent shockwaves through the NFL.
Friends and family told authorities during the investigation that McKinley had been deep in debt, owing $40,000 to Las Vegas casinos alone. He also borrowed over $60,000 from former Broncos backup quarterback Tom Brandstater.
Ultimately, it was a season-ending knee injury during Broncos training camp that led to McKinley’s depression and worries over how he would pay off mounting debts and other finances.
From The Denver Post:
The 131-page report, which states the investigation has closed, quoted witnesses as saying McKinley was depressed over his second knee surgery in eight months and was worried about how he would care for his toddler son when his football career was over.
Days before his death, McKinley had been ordered to pay $3,000 a month in child support by a South Carolina court. He had told friends he was being threatened with a paternity suit by another woman who said she was pregnant with his baby, according to the sheriff's report.
McKinley had missed a South Carolina court hearing in the child support case on Sept. 14.
- Tyrone Black, Gambling911.com
