NFL Kenny McKinley had gambling debts before suicide

Police report indicates Kenny McKinley had gambling debts

Gregg Rosenthal on December 1, 2010

The Associated Press reported Wednesday that Broncos wide receiver Kenny McKinley had large gambling debts before he committed suicide.

An investigative report by the the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Department was released to the AP, which detailed the findings. McKinley’s friends and family revealed his significant gambling debts. The 23-year-old also spoke with three different friends about suicide before he took his own life on September 21.

McKinley borrowed $65,000 from former teammate Tom Brandstater, a fact which the Broncos were surprisingly aware of. Harold Chatman, the team’s team’s player development director, was asked by Brandstater’s lawyer to hold on to a contract stating McKinley would repay the loan.

Brandstater, now on Miami’s practice squad, was a close friend that tried to help McKinley quit gambling. Las Vegas casinos sent many letters to McKinley’s parents home, looking for money.

The news adds a sad postscript to a very sad story of a life lost too soon. We wish the McKinley family the best as they continue to grieve for their son.