Chris Benoit found dead

[Y2Jversion1]

Not sure if anyone still following/interested in the story - but a new article/report today:

AP: Doctor describes Benoit brain injury
Posted by Ashish on 09.05.2007

New AP story with more details....

Doctor describes Benoit brain injury
By HARRY R. WEBER Associated Press Writer

ATLANTA — Pro wrestler Chris Benoit suffered brain damage from his years in the ring that could help explain why he killed his wife, son and himself, a doctor who studied Benoit's brain said Wednesday.

The analysis by doctors affiliated with the Sports Legacy Institute suggests repeated concussions could have contributed to the killings at Benoit's suburban Atlanta home.

The wrestler's father, Michael Benoit, told reporters Wednesday that he knows his son had concussions because his son told him so. But he also said he knows of no medical records or records kept by the wrestling league to support the diagnosis.

Steroid use also has lingered as a theory behind the killings, since anabolic steroids were found in Chris Benoit's home and tests conducted by authorities showed Benoit had roughly 10 times the normal level of testosterone in his system when he died.

The institute, which researches the long-term effects of concussions, coordinated the testing using samples of Benoit's brain tissue provided by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

The Waltham, Mass.-based institute's president is former pro wrestler Christopher Nowinski, who has said he had to quit the ring after a kick to the head. Nowinski still has ties with World Wrestling Entertainment Inc., which runs the league he and Benoit were in.

A lawyer for Stamford, Conn.-based WWE did not immediately return a call Wednesday seeking comment. The company has maintained steroid use did not cause Benoit to snap.

Despite the results of the institute's tests, there was no way to know if Benoit's concussions contributed to the murder-suicide, said Dr. Robert Cantu, a member of the institute who also is chief of neurosurgery service at Emerson Hospital in Concord, Mass.

"Whether it is the sole factor I believe is speculation and I will not go there," Cantu said by phone.

The level of brain damage Benoit had can cause depression and irrational behavior, Cantu said.

Benoit's brain showed the same degenerative processes that doctors working for the institute found in the brains of three men who had played pro football and committed suicide, Cantu said. There were abnormal protein deposits caused by trauma to Benoit's brain, Cantu said.

There's no evidence that steroid use causes such protein deposits, Cantu said, though he noted the issue has not been exhaustively studied.

Investigators allowed the institute to test Benoit's brain tissue with the permission of his father, who lives near Edmonton in Ardrossan, Alberta.

Michael Benoit said Wednesday that he agreed to the testing because murder-suicide was out of character for his son. He also disclosed that after the killings, he discovered a diary written by his son that showed his son was having problems.

"After reading the diary, I would have thought it was written by someone who was extremely disturbed at the time," Michael Benoit said.

He did not elaborate, but he did say a friend told him that prior to the murder-suicide, Chris Benoit had been wearing a rosary, which he said was also out of character.

"I think it's the extreme that is in the wrestling industry today," he told reporters. "The human skull is not built to get hit by a chair or something."

The father said he has not discussed with his attorney whether to take any legal action against the WWE or anyone else in the case. His attorney, Cary Ichter, said that at a later time he "will give thoughtful consideration" to appropriate steps to take in the "legal arena."

Nowinski said concussions can happen in pro wrestling even though many of the moves are staged.

"I got four concussions in three years as a professional wrestler," said Nowinski, who works for the WWE on its initiative to encourage young people to vote. "A lot of concussions happen from mistakes."

Prosecutors have said Benoit, 40, strangled his wife with a cord, used a choke hold to strangle his 7-year-old son, placed Bibles next to the bodies and hanged himself on a piece of exercise equipment the weekend of June 22.

Authorities have said Benoit's personal doctor, Phil Astin, prescribed a 10-month supply of anabolic steroids to Benoit every three to four weeks between May 2006 and May 2007. Astin has pleaded not guilty to federal charges of improperly prescribing painkillers and other drugs to two patients other than Benoit.

[Sunder]

Good find.

Scary how he had multiple concussions, and yet this was never entered into his medical/WWE records. I still think these wrestlers work too hard and too long - they need more time off to heal, etc.

I think I would be for the government stepping in and establishing some sort of mandatory 3rd party medical testing. If this 3rd party org does not clear a wrestler for any reason - they are not allowed to wrestle - period - until they are cleared. AND - the WWE must continue to pay them so there is less fear of working through and masking injuries just because they need the money.

Implement forced vacation times and limits to the number of days they can work. I doubt it would hurt their "product" all that much if at all. I'd rather see the wrestlers at their peak performance than hobbling by on an injury. Besides, WWE loves their "long awaited return of..." storylines anyways.

Boxers and UFC fighters take insanely long amounts of time between fights. Heck, even football players only play what, 1 game/week? The buildup for a match would be much better than what we have now - where you know the same guys are going to fight everyday for a month...boring.

[CEDeoudes59]

yep heard about that on ESPN.
who knew? 60+ blows to the head with a steel chair might alter brain chemistry.

[AM07]

I think I would be for the government stepping in and establishing some sort of mandatory 3rd party medical testing. If this 3rd party org does not clear a wrestler for any reason - they are not allowed to wrestle - period - until they are cleared. AND - the WWE must continue to pay them so there is less fear of working through and masking injuries just because they need the money.

The government has no right to get involved. It's a private, ENTERTAINMENT company. Does the government get involved when actors use AAS to gain or lose weight for certain roles? This is the problem with today's generation, they think the government is needed for everything in order for something to get done, which is not how it should be. Privatization, 95% of the time, works better and more efficiently than government ever can and will continue to do so.

As for the brain injuries, the damage has already been done by the mainstream media. Fcuk the media, they are all biased assh0les. It's impossible to find an unbiased journalist these days in mainstream media.

[CDB]

Privatization, 95% of the time, works better and more efficiently than government ever can and will continue to do so.

What works better is irrelevant. The government has no business telling people what they can and can't do with their own bodies.

[Sunder]

The government has no right to get involved. It's a private, ENTERTAINMENT company. Does the government get involved when actors use anabolic steroids to gain or lose weight for certain roles? This is the problem with today's generation, they think the government is needed for everything in order for something to get done, which is not how it should be. Privatization, 95% of the time, works better and more efficiently than government ever can and will continue to do so.

Obviously this private company is doing a piss poor job of protecting it's employees. Why do you think unions started? Why do you think the government has labor laws in place? If they didn't, forced 24hour overtime days would be common.

As for this 95% better thing - please tell me which 95% companies have a better safety and health rating than a government sanctioned operation.

[Sunder]

What works better is irrelevant. The government has no business telling people what they can and can't do with their own bodies.

It's not like the work schedule the wrestlers have is their own choice. It's not. Kurt Angle begged Vince McMahon for months to give him time off to heal when his neck broke - Vince never let him.
If a wrestler walks off the job at WWE due to medical reasons - where do you think they can work after that?

What other companies have such a stigma? I know I'd get time off my job if I broke my neck - and my job doesn't have me risking my neck every day anyways.

If it was purely their choice - I'd be fine with it.
But let's not delude ourselves into pretending these wrestlers actually have a choice - and don't give me "everybody has a choice" crap.
I can hold a gun to someone's head and say "you either suck my d1ck, lick my a$$ or I put a bullet in your head". Yeah - you always have a choice...

[AM07]

Wrestlers DO have a choice. There is TNA wrestling, as well as house leagues. Sure, they may not pay as much, but if you want to roll with the big boys in WWE and make the big bucks, you better be willing to play with them, too.

There are also wrestling leagues in foreign countries. If you're not good enough, you're not good enough, simple as that. Fortunately, all humans aren't created equal. Professional wrestling is something that takes dedication, time, and talent. Majority of people don't have the talent.

[AM07]

Unions have positives and negatives, but more negatives. From a fiscal standpoint, unions are atrocious. There is no competition whatsoever.

[CDB]

It's not like the work schedule the wrestlers have is their own choice.

So someone came and said, "You will be a professional wrestler or I'll shoot you"? No, that didn't happen. They knew the schedule and what was expected before they joined.

If a wrestler walks off the job at WWE due to medical reasons - where do you think they can work after that?

If I walk away from my job for whatever reason, where do you think I can work after that? Do you dare suggest that my choice of employment is mine, and that I alone should bear the burden of finding employment more agreeable to myself if I don't like my current job? The horror, the horror...

What other companies have such a stigma? I know I'd get time off my job if I broke my neck - and my job doesn't have me risking my neck every day anyways.

Then perhaps wrestlers who don't like the medical allowances in their current occupation should trade in their tights and chairs for the atire and tools consistent with your job.

If it was purely their choice - I'd be fine with it.
But let's not delude ourselves into pretending these wrestlers actually have a choice - and don't give me "everybody has a choice" crap.
I can hold a gun to someone's head and say "you either suck my d1ck, lick my a$$ or I put a bullet in your head". Yeah - you always have a choice...

Ah, so someone did hold a gun to the head of every wrestler and force them into that occupation. Thanks for clearing that up.

Most people seem to be able to distinguish between a free choice and a coerced action. I'm glad to know now that all wrestlers were indeed forced into the trade, and are threatened with torture and death should they decide to leave for any reason.

You have no right to any particular job, much less to any particular benefits except those both parties mutually agree to. If you don't like one or more aspects of your job, be it wrestler or cubical rat, you can do what all responsible adults do and find another one. The idea that wrestlers are somehow coerced into their occupation and have no choice is pure bull****.

[Sunder]

So someone came and said, "You will be a professional wrestler or I'll shoot you"? No, that didn't happen. They knew the schedule and what was expected before they joined.

Reading was a requirement at my school, but obviously not yours. Please show me where I said wrestlers had a gun to their head.
What? What? You mean you just made that up? For shame...

As for knowing the schedule ahead of time - no - NWA/WCW was in existence at the time there would begin their schooling, and their schedules were much different. WWE's work schedule has also increased in the last 15 years.

If I walk away from my job for whatever reason, where do you think I can work after that?

I don't know. I do know that I wouldn't hire you, but I'm sure you'll find something...that doesn't involve reading.

Ah, so someone did hold a gun to the head of every wrestler and force them into that occupation. Thanks for clearing that up.

Sylvian learning college has great tutors to help with reading - I suggest enrolling.

I'm glad to know now that all wrestlers were indeed forced into the trade, and are threatened with torture and death should they decide to leave for any reason.

Is your entire argument based on something you decided to make up? Are you going to bring alien occupation into this too? I can't believe I wasted my time reading this, let alone actually responding this 1 last time.

The idea that wrestlers are somehow coerced into their occupation and have no choice is pure bull****.

Again, for what? The 4th time in this post, please show me where I said wrestlers were coerced into their occupation. Stick to the facts. I am saying wrestlers are coerced into their work schedules at the WWE. You'll never win a debate with false red herrings.

Look - I'll be honest, I really don't care what you think on the matter. You can agree or disagree - I don't care - I'm not trying to convince anyone.
Nor do I care if you feel the need to continue to make-up lies about things you wished I said.
I expressed my opinion, and now I'm done, as I have more important things to do - and seeing as how I am not a wrestler, changing their schedule is not exactly on my top list of priorities.

But please feel free to continue on without me - it's not like you're actually using my quotes anyways, lol.

[CDB]

Reading was a requirement at my school, but obviously not yours. Please show me where I said wrestlers had a gun to their head.

You said quite clearly they had no choice. The only alternatives are they were coerced into wrestling on that schedule, or they are mindless animals not competent to make choices for themselves.

As for knowing the schedule ahead of time - no - NWA/WCW was in existence at the time there would begin their schooling, and their schedules were much different. WWE's work schedule has also increased in the last 15 years.

Irrelevant. They can leave WWE. Just as, if you don't like your job you can leave and find another. That's called... a choice. Wow, how amazing...

I don't know. I do know that I wouldn't hire you, but I'm sure you'll find something...that doesn't involve reading.

Sylvian learning college has great tutors to help with reading - I suggest enrolling.

I suggest reading the forum rules. I also suggest you read what you write before you post it. In any event, were I in yours shoes, I'd gladly trade my prized literacy for the ability to think rationally, which you apparently lack at this point in time.

Is your entire argument based on something you decided to make up? Are you going to bring alien occupation into this too? I can't believe I wasted my time reading this, let alone actually responding this 1 last time.

Here is your original quote:

It's not like the work schedule the wrestlers have is their own choice. It's not.

Again, for what? The 4th time in this post, please show me where I said wrestlers were coerced into their occupation. Stick to the facts. I am saying wrestlers are coerced into their work schedules at the WWE. You'll never win a debate with false red herrings.

How are they coerced? Please, explain. I wait with baited breath to know how the WWE manages to shut down all other career options. I suppose the fry guy at McDonalds is being forced to work over a hot fryer too. After all there are more pleasant options for work and yet he stays there. It must be because he was coerced, and have nothing to do with the fact that he lacks any useful skills and his choices (there's that word again...) are more limited than someone with a PHD.

Look - I'll be honest, I really don't care what you think on the matter. You can agree or disagree - I don't care - I'm not trying to convince anyone.
Nor do I care if you feel the need to continue to make-up lies about things you wished I said.
I expressed my opinion, and now I'm done, as I have more important things to do - and seeing as how I am not a wrestler, changing their schedule is not exactly on my top list of priorities.

But please feel free to continue on without me - it's not like you're actually using my quotes anyways, lol.

See above. The point remains anyway, quibbling over the specifics of what you originally said they had a choice over aside. No one forced them into wrestling, no one forces them to continue wrestling if they find the schedule disagreeable. They have, I don't know, what's that word? Oh yeah, they have what those who aren't completely mentally vacant call a 'choice'. Wrestle or don't. Unless of course there's a massive mystical power in the hands of the WWE that imprisons them and allows no other career options for the rest of their lives.

They made a choice. That you can't see it, or perhaps more to the point personally don't like the options McMahon presents or consider them reasonable, doesn't change the fact that no one is forcing them into the decision. They can take it or leave it. Or perhaps you honestly think if they decide to quit because the schedule is too demanding Vince McMahon will throw them into a pit of starving dogs? Or perhaps he's holding their families hostage over a pit of lava? All this time I thought he was a standard ego maniac, I didn't know he was actually an evil genius with an army of slave wrestlers who have no choice but to suit up in their tights, according to his outrageous schedule of course, and go forth and do battle with each other for His royal amusement.

[Y2Jversion1]

Update - Feb 5th

http://canadianpress.google.com/arti...KCSpOWxIhhBWSw

Repeated concussions led to wrestler Chris Benoit's suicide says documentary
2 days ago

TORONTO - Canadian wrestling star Chris Benoit's brain was so badly damaged when he killed himself and his family that he shouldn't be held responsible for his actions, a new CBC documentary suggests.

Medical research indicates that Benoit's brain resembled that of an 85-year-old man with dementia at the time of his death, and that repeated concussions led to last summer's shocking murder-suicide.

"Steroid use couldn't have caused the damage he had to his brain," said Chris Nowinski, a former professional wrestler and author who prompted the analysis on Benoit's brain.

"The Fifth Estate" documentary, which airs Wednesday at 9 p.m., probes the circumstances surrounding the premature death of Benoit and dozens of other professional wrestlers.

"At this point, the odds are that his brain damage was the strongest factor in the event," Nowinski said, adding that more work is being done on the results.

The research was conducted by Julian Bailes, the head of neurosurgery at West Virginia University.

After Benoit and his family were found dead in their Atlanta home in June, some commentators speculated Benoit may have killed his family during an episode of steroid-induced rage.

When Nowinski heard about the wrestler's death, he called police and told them to examine Benoit's brain to see if concussions played a role in any episodes of rage or depression.

Nowinski has worked with researchers on former NFL players like Andre Waters and Terry Long, who both committed suicide.

"What were seeing is a pattern is a unique brain disorder caused from years of trauma," he said.

Out of six research subjects, three have committed suicide, he added.

Nowinski retired from the World Wrestling Entertainment in 2003 and suffers from debilitating headaches during half of his waking hours.

WWE chairman Vince McMahon has dismissed preliminary findings that have linked Benoit's suicide to concussions, saying he couldn't have functioned as a high-profile professional.

But Nowkinski said the research speaks for itself.

"His memory was good enough to function, but the other issues were certainly there in terms of his paranoia (and) depression ... he talked about memory problems in his own journal."

Broadcaster Bob McKeown, who wrote the CBC documentary, said the research is undergoing a peer review and will be published soon in the American Journal of Neurology.

McKeown said his own research found that wrestling is the most dangerous profession in the world per capita, with 21 deaths of professional wrestlers under 50 alone last year.

At five-foot-11 and 220 pounds, Benoit was known as a fierce competitor with superior technical skills.

When police discovered the bodies of the 40-year-old wrestler and his family, a Bible was reportedly found beside his wife Nancy and his young son Daniel.

Police also said Nancy Benoit's feet and wrists were bound and there was blood under her head.

Benoit, who was born in Montreal and grew up in Edmonton, became WWE's world champion in 2004 when he defeated Shawn Michaels and Triple H in a triple-threat match at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

He began his career in 1985 training with the Hart family in Calgary and competed professionally for the western Canadian-based Stampede Wrestling.

[smackshosh]

finally no roids... the media sure was quick to jump on that bandwagon... if he was a ripped wrestler he surely did roids and roid rage caused him to kill his family and himself... same with heath ledger... because he was a big star he surely did illegal drugs and thats what caused his death...
i bet nobody will even report this on the news...

[AM07]

i bet nobody will even report this on the news...

Of course not, it's not glamorous enough of a story.