WASHINGTON (AFP) — Washington Redskins players mourned the shooting death of defensive star Sean Taylor on Wednesday as they returned to American football training while Miami police began to investigate the slaying.
Taylor died Tuesday after being shot in his Florida home the day before by intruders who smashed down his bedroom door, confronted the machete-wielding Taylor in the darkness and shot him in the groin, severing his femoral artery.
Taylor's girlfriend, Jackie Garcia, and the couple's 18-month-old daughter were hiding under the covers during the shooting.
Severe bleeding followed for Taylor, who underwent seven hours of surgery, showing signs of progress before passing away Tuesday morning, touching off grief from teammates, rivals, family, friends and supporters.
"It's like we lost a family member," Redskins quarterback Jason Campbell said before breaking down. "Through this tragedy we all have to try to pull together and stay strong for each other. It's a tough situation right now."
Miami police spokesman Robert Parke said Wednesday that police do not think a break-in eight days before the shooting or a 2005 assault incident involving Taylor were connected to the slaying.
"We're a little more along the process that this is a random act," Parke said. "There's nothing that indicates there was any involvement on Sean's part."
The Redskins will wear a special patch on their uniforms in Sunday's home game against Buffalo, the first of two National Football League games in 10 days after Taylor's death, with his funeral likely to occur in between.
All NFL teams will wear helmet stickers bearing Taylor's jersey number, 21, on Sunday and a moment of silence will be observed at every game this week.
"This is a terrible tragedy involving the loss of a young man who leaves behind many people struggling to understand it," NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said.
Taylor was the fourth NFL player killed this year - all age 24 - and the second death by gunfire. Denver Broncos cornerback Darrent Williams was killed in a drive-by shooting early on January 1 after a New Year's Eve nightclub confrontation.
Broncos running back Damien Nash died in February after collapsing following a charity basketball game and New England defensive end Marquise Hill drowned in May after a water-skiing accident.
Funeral arrangements for Taylor have not been finalized but were expected for next Tuesday, typically an off day for every NFL team that would allow all league personnel to attend.
Redskins owner Daniel Snyder has vowed to fly the entire Redskins organization to the ceremony. If on Tuesday, the Redskins would have only one workout before hosting the Chicago Bears on December 6.
"It's going to be a tremendous loss for us and our football team," Redskins coach Joe Gibbs said. "As far as the team goes, we have never dealt with this. We're going one hour at a time here.
"We're going to work together, go forward together and get ready to play this weekend. How we deal with this, I don't know. It's something I don't think anyone can be prepared for. The way I'm going to deal with this is go forward."
Taylor's father Pedro spoke to the Redskins on Wednesday in a private gathering as the team resumed workouts for the first time since Taylor's shooting.
"Many of his fans loved him because of the way he played football. Many of his opponents feared him the way he approached the game. Others misunderstood him. And his family loved him," Taylor's father said in a statement.
Miami police are looking at a break-in eight days before the shooting in which an intruder left a knife on Taylor's bed and a 2005 incident that led to felony assault and battery charges against Taylor.
Taylor beat a man severely after thinking a vehicle he owned had been stolen by him. A plea deal led to Taylor admitting to lesser charges and his 18 months' probation from the matter was set to expire Friday.
"We're going to look at everything," Miami police spokesman Robert Williams said.
Hundreds of supporters gathered for a candlelight vigil Tuesday night outside the Redskins' headquarters, where a large "21" had been spray-painted onto the ground.
"I think that the shock of it right now is the hardest part," said Redskins safety Reed Doughty, who had replaced Taylor in the starting lineup.
"This is a terrible tragedy and we're all going to miss him very, very much," Redskins owner Dan Snyder said.
Baltimore Ravens running back Willis McGahee, a University of Miami teammate of Taylor, recalled him as a special person and an exceptional player.
"When a senseless tragedy likethis happens close to home, it really makes you think about the people in your life," he said. "This is much bigger than football. Life is precious and you are reminded of that every day."
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