McNair's killing shocks league

Tributes have been paid to the former NFL quarterback Steve McNair as police began to investigate his fatal shooting in Nashville, Tennessee. The former Tennessee Titans and Baltimore Ravens quarterback, who was the 2003 NFL co-MVP and led the Titans to the team's only Super Bowl appearance in Jan 2000, was found in an apartment in downside Nashville with a fatal gunshot wound to the head on Saturday. He was 36.

An unidentified female victim was also found at the scene by police after they responded to a call received at 1.35pm local time. As police investigate the deaths, the Titans owner Bud Adams said: "We are saddened and shocked to hear the news of Steve McNair's passing today. "He was one of the finest players to play for our organisation and one of the most beloved players by our fans. "He played with unquestioned heart and leadership and led us to places that we had never reached, including our only Super Bowl."

The NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said: "We don't know the details but it is a terrible tragedy." McNair played 11 seasons with the Titans and two with the Baltimore Ravens before announcing his retirement in April last year. McNair was one of just three quarterbacks to have passed for at least 30,000 yards and rushed for at least 3,500 yards in his career and the former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Steve Young, another to have achieved the feat, paid tribute to the dead star's on-field versatility.

"He was also a guy who was a really rare combination; a guy who could sit in the pocket and deliver the football and also take it out and really do damage." * PA Sport