the thread from yesterday got sidetracked and locked
but from today's paper
Steve McNair's estate left in limbo
Lack of a will may lead to legal fight
By Chris Echegaray • THE TENNESSEAN • July 17, 2009
The family of at least one of Steve McNair's sons born before his marriage is gearing up to lay claim to an inheritance, a move that could set up a lengthy legal battle because the former Titans quarterback left no will.
Mechelle McNair's Nashville attorney, David Callahan, said Thursday she's determining Steve McNair's net worth. A Davidson County probate court judge granted the widow 60 days to complete that process in response to an emergency petition. In the meantime, she received the right to control the estate.
"I am sure that in due course there will be a discussion with everyone who has an interest in the estate," Callahan said. "At this point, there has not been any formal discussion."
The probate court filing says Mechelle McNair and sons Tyler, 11, and Trenton, 6, are heirs, but she can't confirm whether her husband's two eldest sons are actually his.
McNair's oldest son, Steven L. McNair Jr., is a senior and star wide receiver at Oak Grove High in Hattiesburg, Miss. His second son, Steven O'Brian Koran McNair, 15, lives in Mount Olive, Miss.
"He gave $500 a month for child support," said Cora McNair, the 15-year-old's grandmother and no relation to Steve McNair. "We don't know what's going on and don't know if he was entitled to anything. They need to get on board with this."
Cotina Feazell, the mother of McNair's oldest son, referred questions to Bus Cook, who was McNair's agent. Cook cited attorney-client privilege when asked about possible wills or trusts left behind by his client. No records have surfaced indicating McNair — who earned more than $75 million in NFL contracts over his 13-year career — set up trust funds or completed any estate planning.
Sports agents shocked
Sports agents said they were incredulous McNair didn't leave a will. Typically, an NFL contract comes with trips to financial planners to protect the new wealth, said Steve Piascik, a financial planner for pro athletes and a registered financial adviser with the NFL Players Association.
"The first thing we talk about is a budget, an annual budget, with our clients," said Piascik, whose office is in Richmond, Va. "We get them estate attorneys who are part of the money management team. My job is to protect them and save them money.
"This is a great example for some guys who don't think they need life insurance or a will … because a whole family can be rocked by a death."