Benoit Update: Luger, Benoit, & Jillian Talk
Former professional wrestler Lex Luger who lives in the Metro Atlanta area told 11Alive News Wednesday that he is shocked and saddened by the death of Chris Benoit. Police said Benoit killed himself after strangling his wife and smothering his 7-year-old son inside their Fayetteville home this past weekend. Benoit and Luger were aquainted through wrestling but Luger told 11Alive's Valerie Hoff that the two had not seen each other in some time. Luger said alcohol and drugs, including steroids, wreaked havoc on his own life for years before a jail chaplain converted him to Christianity. He said he believes it is possible steroid use played a part in the Benoit family tragedy. "Obviously, they were in his home. Let's face it. There's a pretty good chance he was on them and to discount that they didn't play a role, as far as with his temperament, I'd be lying if I said there wasn't that possibility," Luger told 11Alive's Valerie Hoff. Luger is now a fitness and nutrition coach in Cobb County.
Jillian Hall is the first WWE star to really speak out against Chris Benoit. She posted a likely controversial blog entry on her MySpace page earlier today regarding the Benoit situation. She said what he did "is completely disgusting and unforgiveable!" However, she pulled it a few hours later. Here is the blog entry that was deleted: Time to Speak. Well, by now the whole world knows of the horrible news that took place this week. With all of the comments and messages from people saying how sorry they are for our loss, I figured I would speak in general. I am 100% in agreeance with WWE and Mr. McMahon on completely erasing all tributes to Chris Benoit. While he had always been nice and polite to me and most of the WWE talent, what he did is completely disgusting and unforgiveable! This man who could have been a legend has demolished his reputation. My heart goes out to Nancy and the adorable Daniel and the family and friends they left behind!
The following is from Kurt Angle's official website, KurtAngleTNA.com: "Kurt hopes that you will join him in extending condolences and prayers for the survivors of the Chris Benoit Family. This news is very sad for all of us that knew and loved Chris. It is a sad tragedy and we wish the best for the family members that have to deal with this situation and go forward from this."