Seau's death a suicide

JUNIOR SEAU'S death has been ruled a suicide by the San Diego County medical examiner's office.

An autopsy Thursday confirmed that the former NFL linebacker died of a gunshot wound to the chest, the medical examiner's office said. The office said further details would be released in a final investigative report, which may take up to 90 days to complete.

Officials said they were awaiting a decision by the family on whether to turn over Seau's brain to unidentified outside researchers for study.

Seau died Wednesday in his home in suburban Oceanside.

Police Chief Frank McCoy said Seau's girlfriend reported finding him unconscious with a gunshot wound to the chest and lifesaving efforts were unsuccessful. A gun was found near him, McCoy said. Police said no suicide note was found and they didn't immediately know whom the gun was registered to.

Seau's ex-wife, Gina, told the Associated Press on Wednesday that Seau suffered concussions during his 20-year career. She said she didn't know whether the effects of concussions contributed to Seau's death. Seau starred with his hometown Chargers for 13 years before playing with the Dolphins and Patriots.

On Thursday, more than 100 former NFL players filed a federal lawsuit in Atlanta claiming that pro football didn't properly protect its players from concussions. The plaintiffs in the lawsuit include former Atlanta Falcon Jamal Anderson, ex-Georgia star Lindsey Scott and veteran quarterback Don Majkowski.

Baltimore linebacker Terrell Suggs told ESPN he partially tore his Achilles' tendon during a conditioning drill in Arizona, but hopes to return by the middle of the 2012 season.

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* Police are seeking a new criminal charge against Deion Sanders in the case related to a scuffle with his wife, Pilar, last month. Police in Sanders' hometown of Prosper, north of Dallas, asked the Collin County District Attorney's Office to review their request for a criminal mischief charge against the ex-NFL star for his role in the April 23 disturbance. Both already face misdemeanor simple assault charges.

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