Chiefs game goes on after murder-suicide tragedy

(CBS News) KANSAS CITY - One day after Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Jovan Belcher murdered his girlfriend, then killed himself, the team took to the field to take on the visiting Carolina Panthers.

The Chiefs won 27 to 21, but it was a bittersweet victory as the team and fans to struggle to look for answers.

Amid the typical game day festivities in Kansas City, there were constant reminders of the tragedy. The Chiefs' coach, Romeo Crennel, greeted fans with a heartfelt gesture.

Chiefs owner on Belcher: "So many people are hurting"
K.C. Chiefs' Jovan Belcher kills girlfriend, self

"Some would say it's time to mourn," Crennel said. "We're here for the Chiefs' organization, to show support."

Authorities say Belcher shot and killed Kasandra Perkins, his girlfriend and mother of his three-month-old daughter, Saturday morning at their home. He then drove to the team's practice facility, where he shot himself in front of Crennel and two others.

The team and NFL decided to go ahead with Sunday's game. There was no tribute to Belcher -- just a moment of silence for victims of domestic violence.

"There were two victims and we really lost members of our Chiefs family," Crennel said. "Kasandra was part of our Chiefs' women's organization that does things in the community for the team, and under the circumstances we didn't think it was appropriate to honor just one and not the other."

Fans also wrestled with how to support the team and mourn the loss.

"I think that is tough all the way," said Tracy Johnson, a fan. "You have fans that want to move forward and honor somebody's life but at the same time there was a loss and a loss that he inflicted upon himself and his girlfriend."

Belcher was a standout player at the University of Maine. As a free agent, he played hard enough to earn a starting position in Kansas City. In his hometown of West Babylon, New York, friends remembered better days.

"All I know is that is a good man and I hate that he is gone," said Ruben Marshall, a friend.

Police in Kansas City have not released a motive for the shooting, but did say the couple had been arguing in recent days.

CBS News spoke with Belcher's mother, but she had not comment. She only said, "I have grieving to do."

[Rafterman11]

As someone who knows none of these people except as names in the news or faces on TV, I can agree that Jovan Belcher is a scumbag murderer who orphaned a 3 month old. The Chiefs did the appropriate thing by simply recognizing victims of domestic violence.

But lay of Romeo. He is an older, more emotional kind of guy. He knew Belcher and saw him every day, worked with him and probably thought of Belcher and these other players as his family, as his children. Imagine if you just saw your close friend and co-worker blow his brains out right in front of you. Now, a day later, you have a national TV audience watch you do your job, a job that had closely involved that now dead co-worker, a co-wrker that you thought of as family. I'd love to see how you all would handle it.

What a bunch of arrogant, self-righteous know-it-alls around here, thinking you know everything about everything. You don't know s**t, you armchair warriors.

[jwilsonte5]

This piece of GARBAGE MURDERED A WOMAN all you pathlic scumball sports fans are talking about the man who murdered her as if he is some hero make all of you losers look SICK!!FOOLS

[Jon N.]

All y'all realize that this guy blew his brains out in front of him, right? I wonder if you'd fair so well after witnessing something that gruesome? My thoughts are for the coach, families, and daughter that are affected by this terrible tragedy.

[Jon N.]

All y'all realize that this guy blew his brains out in front of him, right? I wonder if you'd fair so well after witnessing something that gruesome? My thoughts are for the coach, families, and daughter that are affected by this terrible tragedy.

[kbbpll]

It must be difficult to decide how to "honor" someone who just created a three month old orphan.

[kswhitehead6]

It is just tragic that this has happened. There are so many hurting people with unanswered questions. My heart really breaks for his infant daughter who is now without either parent.

[Puttysue2]

To: thelostlegend

You are so rude. You don't even know why he crying, you idiot. You are so disrespectful. But reading your words, you probably wouldn't shed a tear if someone blew the head of, like your "best buddy". Get a life and get with your creator.

[jwilsonte5]

Pattysue get some help wish I had video of this fool blowing his brains out!!

[thelostlegend]

Romeo should cry for someone worth crying for, not his best buddy murdering coward.

[jwilsonte5]

right on what I thought pathlic sports Fans!!!