Blenda Gay
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Blenda Gay | |
|---|---|
| Date of birth: | November 22, 1950 |
| Place of birth: |  Fayetteville, North Carolina |
| Date of death: | December 23, 1976 (aged 26) |
| Career information | |
| Position(s): | Defensive end |
| Jersey №: | 68 |
| College: | Fayetteville State University |
| NFL Draft: | 1973 / Round: Supplemental, Oakland Raiders |
| Organizations | |
| As player: | |
| 1974 1975-1976 |
San Diego Chargers Philadelphia Eagles |
Blenda Glen Gay (born November 22, 1950 in Fayetteville, North Carolina, died December 23, 1976 in Camden, New Jersey) is a former defensive end in the National Football League. He played three seasons in the NFL for the San Diego Chargers and Philadelphia Eagles and is notable for his 1976 murder by his wife Roxanne.
Contents |
[edit] Biography
Blenda Gay attended H. B. Sugg High School in Farmville, North Carolina. After high school he attended Fayetteville State University in his home town of Fayetteville. There he started on the football team winning all-CIAA and Division II All-American. [1]
Gay was drafted in the 1973 NFL supplemental draft by the Oakland Raiders but was cut in training camp.[2] He was picked up in 1974 by the San Diego Chargers and saw action in two games.
In 1975, Gay was signed by the Philadelphia Eagles where he became a regular fixture on the defensive line for two seasons. Gay played in every regular season game for the Eagles in both 1975 and 1976.[3]
[edit] Murder
In December, 1976, Roxanne Gay cut her husband's throat as he slept, killing him. She was charged with the murder by the Camden County, New Jersey district attorney.
Roxanne claimed that the attack on her husband was purely self-defense and alleged that her husband was extremely violent and abusive. Camden police indicated that she had made over 20 calls to the police in three and a half years. The case became a cause celebre for the feminist movement due to the domestic violence aspect. Gloria Steinem and Ms. magazine helped raise money for her defense. A panel of psychiatrists found that Blenda Gay had not abused his wife. Ultimately, Roxanne Gay was determined to be schizophrenic and confined to a state mental health facility. All charges were dropped. [4]
[edit] References
- ^ Whitted, Fred [2000]. Fayetteville, North Carolina (Google Books), Arcadia Publishing, 64. ISBN 0738505935. Retrieved on 2007-11-28.
- ^ Oakland Raiders Draft History, NFL.com
- ^ Philadelphia Eagles All-Time Stats, Philadelphia Eagles.com
- ^ Jones, Ann [1996]. Women Who Kill (Google Books), Beacon Press, 287. ISBN 080706775X. Retrieved on 2007-11-28.
