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| Monday, January 8 Associated Press | |||
| CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. -- Teammates saw Dimitrius Underwood as
a young defensive end with great promise. His latest suicide
attempt has left then shocked and saddened.
Police said Underwood, 23, tried to end his life by twice
running into traffic. One motorist said the Dallas Cowboys' lineman
told him he "wanted to go to Jesus."
"It's very shocking to me," said defensive end Ebenezer
Ekuban, Underwood's roommate on the road this season. "I called
him, but obviously he didn't call me back. I just wanted to make
sure that he was well.
"I feel bad for his family because they're the ones who have
known him his whole life and they're the ones it affects the
most."
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones issued a statement on Monday. Said Jones: "Our concerns at this time
are for the health and well being of Dimitrius. This is a very personal
matter, and we will continue to provide any support and asistance that is
helpful."
Two motorists told police that Underwood ran into traffic on a
busy suburban highway Wednesday. A Coral Springs woman told police
that Underwood ran in front of her car, causing her to screech to a
halt.
Another motorist, a Pompano Beach man, said Underwood kicked and
dented his car and told him he "wanted to go to Jesus," police
said.
Underwood cut his knee and was placed in custody at Sunrise
Regional Medical Center's psychiatric unit. A Sunrise Regional
official Sunday refused comment.
He was detained under Florida law that allows psychiatric
facilities to commit persons for up to 72 hours if they are deemed
to be a danger to themselves or others.
No charges have been filed, Coral Springs police Sgt. Rich
Nicorvo said.
Underwood, who is deeply religious, suffers from bipolar
disorder. He also tried to commit suicide in Lansing, Mich., in
September 1999 by cutting his throat with two steak knives.
Ekuban and linebacker Dexter Coakley said they expected
Underwood, who had four sacks and led the team with 14 quarterback
pressures in limited playing time, to play an important role on the
Cowboys' defense next season.
"I'm so sorry to hear that he's having troubles again,"
Coakley said.
Defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer said he had no indication that
Underwood was having any emotional problems.
"He played good for me," Zimmer said. "We thought he would
continue to improve because he improved so much during the season
and that he would be a good player for us."
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and vice president Stephen Jones were
out of town and could not be reached for comment. Coach Dave Campo
could not be reached for comment.
| ALSO SEE
Cowboys' Underwood again attempts to take his own life | ||