Chris Benoit Had Severe Brain Damage
September 4, 2007

An analysis of the brain of Chris Benoit uncovered severe brain cell damage. Due to the multiple concussions he suffered in his career, Chris had a brain resembling that of an 85-year-old Alzheimer's patient. This severe level of brain damage can lead to dementia. This seems give some explanation for the reason he killed his wife, child, and himself. However, it is still too early to read into making this a perfect cause and effect relationship. Some medical experts are wondering why Chris never showed any signs of dementia prior to his heinous actions.

Earlier today, Michael Benoit, the father of Chris Benoit appeared on Good Morning America (note: link has brain cell photos which some may find disturbing) along with Dr. Julian Bailes of the Sports Legacy Institute. Dr. Bailes was the doctor that analyzed the brain of Benoit. Dr. Bailes has also analyzed the brains of former NFL players Andre Waters and Terry Long, who both committed suicide. Both of those men also suffered multiple concussions in their careers.

The initial outcry about this case was over steroids and has led to multiple Congressional hearing about the steroids in wrestling. Hopefully these finding will also lead to Congressional hearings addressing the concussion crises going on in this country. While this epidemic is most associated with football, surprisingly it has been wrestling that has shined the light on this problem which has put the youth of our country at risk. Chris Nowinski, a former WWE wrestler and Harvard graduate, wrote a book called Head Games. He is also responsible for contacting the families of Chris Benoit and Andre Waters about having the brains sent away for testing and was recently featured on Real Sports With Bryant Gumble to discuss this problem.