Rider running back slain
Police suspect Joe McKnight was shot, killed in road rage incident
REGINA — The Saskatchewan Roughriders are mourning the death of running back Joe McKnight, who was killed Thursday in Terrytown, La., after a suspected road rage incident.
“We are saddened to hear of the tragic loss of Joe McKnight,” Riders president and CEO Craig Reynolds said in a statement. “Losing a member of our Rider family this way is an unthinkable occurrence. Our thoughts and prayers are with Joe’s family, teammates and coaches.”
“We are shocked to hear the news of Joe’s sudden passing,” added Chris Jones, the Riders’ vice-president of football operations, general manager and head coach. “We send our deepest sympathies to Joe’s family, friends, and all those impacted by this tragedy.”
Jefferson Parish Sheriff Newell Normand said McKnight was the victim in a fatal shooting. Family members identified McKnight at the scene.
A witness told the New Orleans Times-Picayune that she was leaving the area when she saw a man at an intersection yelling at another man, who was attempting to apologize. The witness said the man shot the other man more than once.
The shooter was identified as Ronald Glasser, 54. Glasser remained at the scene and turned over his gun to authorities. Normand told the Times-Picayune McKnight didn’t have a gun and police didn’t find one outside the vehicle.
McKnight signed with the Riders on Sept. 26 and was assigned to the CFL team’s practice roster. He dressed for three regular-season games, recording 38 carries for 228 yards.
News of McKnight’s death led to an outpouring of support on Twitter from his teammates and across the CFL.
“Crazy man ... R.I.P. Joe!” tweeted Riders quarterback Darian Durant. “What is happening in this world? People taken so young, here one day, gone the next. RIP Joe…,” tweeted Riders fullback Spencer Moore. “Man.. still doesn’t make sense to me ... R.I.P to my teammate, my bro Joe McKnight.. life isn’t fair,” receiver Nic Demski wrote. CFL commissioner Jeffrey Orridge offered his sentiments in a prepared statement.
McKnight is the second CFLer killed this year. On Sept. 25, Calgary Stampeders defensive back Mylan Hicks was shot and killed outside a Calgary nightclub.