Former Detroit Lions Player Alphonso Smith Jr. Dies by Apparent Suicide in Florida

Alphonso Smith's tragic death.(Image via Getty Images)

Alphonso Smith Jr., the former Detroit Lions’ star player, has passed away tragically at his home in Florida after staying out of the spotlight for the last decade. Hours before his death, Alphonso Smith Jr. made a concerning post on Facebook which has hinted that he might have had committed suicide. While things remain unconfirmed, the news of his death has taken a turn.

Alphonso Smith Jr. hints at facing abuse as a child as his death sparks chaos among communities

As per reports, back in 2015, Alphonso Smith Jr. was working as a head coach at Pahokee High School after retiring from the league. But the then 29 year old was removed from his position amid controversial allegations of "inappropriate conduct” which even led to an investigation by a local sheriff’s office. Not a lot of details have been made public about the situation but Alphonso Smith Jr. has hinted at it in his apparent suicide note. While the former Detroit Lions did speak about "fighting" demons, he also wrote, “To my family, BABY, my MOM, my siblings, things happened to your boy, your brother while I was little that an older lady did onto me…” The 40 year old added, “As a result guys, I did the same onto others! I have HURT so many! I needed help & did not get it!” Alphonso Smith Jr.’s death has sparked chaos among fans as many are shocked by it as many sympathised with his situation. A fan posted, “He wrote that he was abused as a kid and that he later hurt other people. Both of those things can be true, and neither one makes suicide the answer. Families on every side of this deserve space, not a comment-section verdict.” Another fan wrote, “So sad that people internalize abuse and do the same to others… disgusting, inexcusable shit he did, but it’s just sad to see how these cycles continue smfh.”

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A third fan posted, “This is heartbreaking. 💔 You never really know what someone is battling behind closed doors. Praying for his family, friends, and everyone who loved him. May Alphonso Smith Jr. rest in peace”. To make matters worse, Alphonso Smith Jr. landed in legal trouble and faced a misdemeanor battery charge in Palm Beach County after an alleged altercation with his ex girlfriend in 2016.

Alphonso Smith Jr. had a good run with the Detroit Lions

Back in 2012, Alphonso Smith Jr. was released by the Detroit Lions. Later, he was brought back for another season as Alphonso Smith Jr. ended his career in the league recording 88 tackles with 19 pass deflections, eight interceptions, two defensive touchdowns, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. Alphonso Smith Jr.’s family has stayed out of the spotlight and has not opened up about his tragic death yet.

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