WCNC: NFL Pro Phillip Adams Murdered 5 People, Including 2 Children & Then Killed Himself

Philip Adams's father confirmed that the former NFL player was the gunman who took the life of a prominent ER doctor and killed four of his family members.

The former NFL star Philip Adams is the suspect in a mass shooting that took the life of Dr. Robert Lesslie and left four other people dead. He also took his own life after allegedly opening fire on the other victims.

The former football player's father spoke to WCNC, confirming that his son was the individual who shot the six people, which resulted in five deaths before he committed suicide.

FOOTBALL'S FAULT

Adams made his start in pro-football as a star in the South Carolina State team before he made his NFL debut and played in the elite series for several years.

The suspected shooter's father credited the sport with his son's violent behavior, which resulted in multiple deaths, including his own. During an interview with WCNC, Adams's father shared:

"I can say he's a good kid, I think the football messed him up."

TWO CHILDREN

Amongst the five victims that did not survive the shooting were two small children. The shooter fired his weapon in a home located in the same street as his own house in Rock Hill, South Carolina.

The message that [Adams's father] left Casterline was peculiar, and a few days later, the shooting occurred.

Adams is reported by the York County Sheriff's Office to have entered the Lesslie family's home where he shot Dr. Robert Lesslie, his wife, and two of their eight children, as well as a man that was working in residence.

SENSELESS TRAGEDY

The 32-year-old former athlete played for a variety of teams during his time in the NFL, including the Oakland Raiders, the Seattle Seahawks, the New York Jets, and the Falcons.

The Falcons released a statement after the news of the shooting involving Adams broke as they shared their condolences. David Bassity, the team's spokesperson, said:

"We are aware of the senseless tragedy in Rock Hill, S.C., involving former player Phillip Adams. We offer our heartfelt sympathies and deepest condolences."

SHOCKED IN THE AFTERMATH

In the wake of Adams's violent outburst, those closest to him are shocked that he was capable of such horrendous actions. He has been described as a friendly individual, although somewhat of a loner.

Scott Casterline, the professional athlete's NFL agent, confirmed that Adams preferred his own company and stuck to himself but could not comprehend that the 32-year-old could murder.

Casterline reiterated that Adams should be remembered as the good person that he was despite the terrible actions that surrounded his death. The agent remains shocked at the football player's actions.

The NFL agent was in close contact with the Adams family but missed Adams' father's most recent call. The message that he left Casterline was peculiar, and a few days later, the shooting occurred.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255. Other international suicide helplines can be found at befrienders.org.