Shane Tamura’s note reveals belief he suffered from CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy) due to youth football, expressing anger at the NFL and requesting his brain be studied
🧠 Background: Tragedy in Midtown Manhattan
On July 28, 27‑year‑old Shane Tamura stormed into a Midtown Manhattan skyscraper housing NFL offices. Armed with an M4 rifle and wearing a bulletproof vest, he fatally shot four people—including off‑duty NYPD officer Didarul Islam—before committing suicide.
Tamura left behind a three‑page suicide note blaming his actions on chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disorder linked to repeated head trauma. Although he never played professionally, Tamura had played competitive high school football and believed the NFL had neglected individuals suffering from CTE.
🧾 The Suicide Note: Football, CTE & a Final Plea
- Tamura reportedly accused the NFL of failure to support CTE sufferers, referencing former player Terry Long—also believed to have suffered from CTE and died by suicide.
- He wrote, “You can’t go against the NFL, they’ll squash you,” and asked explicitly: “Study my brain. I’m sorry.”
- He demanded post-mortem examination of his brain to confirm the degenerative condition as the motive behind his actions.
📈 Understanding CTE and Its Potential Effects
Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) is a progressive brain disease resulting from repeated head trauma. It is most commonly linked to contact sports such as football or boxing.
Symptoms may include:
- Memory loss, confusion, poor judgment
- Mood disorders, depression, suicidality
- Aggression, impulsivity, personality changes
Currently, definitive diagnosis can only occur postmortem, typically through neuropathological autopsy.
⚖️ Why This Case Matters
- Tamura’s note raises renewed scrutiny over how sports bodies handle head injuries and their long-term mental health consequences.
- Though he never played professionally, youth football trauma is believed to have contributed to his perceived condition.
- The incident amplifies debates on CTE awareness, preventive protocols, and institutional responsibility.
🧪 Research on CTE: What We Know
- Studies have shown high rates of CTE among former NFL players. In one 2023 Boston University study, 92% of examined NFL brains displayed CTE pathology.
- For many affected individuals, CTE has been associated with behavioral changes, substance abuse, depression, and elevated suicide risk.
🧾 Timeline at a Glance
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | July 28, 2025 |
| Location | 345 Park Avenue, New York City (building housing NFL and other firms) |
| Victims | Four killed—including officer Didarul Islam—plus one seriously injured |
| Shooter | Shane Tamura, 27, former high school football player |
| Note Content | CTE blame, NFL grievance, request to study his brain |
| Motive Under Review | Mental health, CTE belief, grievance with NFL |
🧭 Final Thoughts: Brain Injury & Responsibility
Tamura’s tragic rampage highlights the devastating impact of unresolved brain trauma and mental health neglect. Though CTE can’t conclusively explain his actions, his suicide note spotlights ongoing issues around sports-related head injuries, institutional accountability, and mental health advocacy.
Also Read : 5 Dead in Midtown Manhattan Office Shooting, Including NYPD Officer and Gunman
