Former New York Jets running back and USC standout Joe McKnight was shot dead in Louisiana in what police are calling a “possible road rage incident.” Just a few years ago, he was returning kickoffs 100+ yards for touchdowns in the NFL.
Police are saying that McKnight was shot multiple times in an area about five miles southeast of New Orleans. The suspected shooter was released after spending the night in jail. He has not been charged.
#BREAKING: Ronald Gasser, suspect in Joe McKnight’s killing, released from custody https://t.co/Ah1KfQ409a pic.twitter.com/Vw1eV0jIJu
— NOLA.com (@NOLAnews) December 2, 2016
McKnight was one of the most heralded running backs in the country when he arrived at USC. Billed as “the next Reggie Bush,” he broke out for 208 all purpose yards in the 2008 Rose Bowl during his freshman season.
Our hearts are with @USC_Athletics and the entire #Pac12FB community this evening.
Rest in peace, Joe McKnight. pic.twitter.com/SgDWGP6MIv
— #Pac12FCG (@Pac12Network) December 2, 2016
McKnight is the second former NFL player killed in Louisiana this year. Former Saints defensive end Will Smith (no relation to the actor) was gunned down in a road rage incident in the Lower Garden District of New Orleans back in April.
Those around the league have been hit hard by McKnight’s death. The kid was only 28 years old. He should be going on vacations and attending pool parties right now, not lying in the morgue.
Everybody in the world wanted to be @ReggieBush , us in New Orleans wanted to run the ball like Joe McKnight.
— Tyrann Mathieu (@Mathieu_Era) December 1, 2016
Just got a message saying my former teammate Joe McKnight was killed today. This hurt to the heart. I can’t stop crying. #RestInPeace
— ANTONIO CROMARTIE (@CRO31) December 1, 2016
Maybe if this country had fewer guns, Joe McKnight would still be alive. Not to make light of the situation, but Australian comedian Jim Jefferies delivers a brutally frank assessment of gun culture in this country.
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