Coach Shares Memories of Former High School Football Player in NYC Shooting

A Tragic Event and the Question of CTE

A former high school football player who fatally shot a New York City police officer and three others was found carrying a note in his wallet that expressed concerns about a potential brain disease linked to the sport. The note, which spanned three pages, included an apology and indicated that the suspect, Shane Tamura, hoped investigators would examine his brain for signs of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). This condition is often associated with repeated head injuries, commonly seen in contact sports like football.

The incident took place at a Manhattan office building housing NFL offices, where Tamura shot five people, one of whom survived. After the attack, he reportedly shot himself in the chest. The NFL confirmed that one of its employees was injured in the event, and the organization has since been supporting the affected individual's family.

The NFL’s Response

In a statement, Roger Goodell, the NFL Commissioner, said, “One of our employees was seriously injured in this attack.” He added that NFL staff were at the hospital and that the organization was providing support to the employee’s family. Goodell also emphasized that all other employees were safe and accounted for.

While authorities continue to investigate the motives behind the shooting, some individuals who knew Tamura from his high school days have shared their recollections. One such person is Walter Roby, a former coach at Granada Hills Charter High School in California. Roby described Tamura as a gifted athlete who was hardworking and had a quiet, humble demeanor.

“He was one of our better players,” Roby said. “He was athletically gifted. Hardworking. Quiet demeanor, real humble about himself.” According to Roby, Tamura was very coachable and never had any issues during his time on the team.

Reflections on a Former Player

Roby recently had conversations with his son about the top players he had coached over the years. Tamura's name came up, and they discussed his skills, particularly his ability to make quick cuts and his elusiveness on the field. “We were just going over and over it,” Roby said. “And here it is two weeks later, this. As I always say, I don’t believe in coincidences.”

Roby expressed shock upon learning about the tragic events involving his former player. “I went to bed just shocked all night long. It’s just been a whirlwind of shock,” he said. While he couldn’t recall any specific head injuries Tamura may have suffered during his football career, Roby acknowledged the importance of studying CTE.

“I think that CTE is definitely very prevalent. It’s very — a part of what’s happening in society that should be studied deeply,” he said.

The Broader Implications of CTE

Numerous former NFL players have been diagnosed with CTE after their deaths, and researchers have linked the condition to repeated blows to the head. This issue is not limited to professional football but also extends to other contact sports and even military service.

Tamura’s case adds another layer to the ongoing conversation about the long-term effects of head trauma in sports. His note, which expressed concern about his own health, highlights the growing awareness and fear surrounding CTE.

Additional Background on Tamura

Scripps News obtained records showing that Tamura had a run-in with Las Vegas Metropolitan police officers in 2023. According to court records, the incident occurred at a casino when Tamura refused to show his identification while trying to collect thousands of dollars in winnings. He also refused to leave the building without collecting the money. However, the district attorney ultimately decided not to charge him in the case.

This history, combined with the recent tragic events, raises further questions about Tamura’s mental state and the factors that may have contributed to his actions. As investigators continue their work, the broader implications of CTE and its impact on athletes remain a critical area of concern.