Former NFL star Lawrence Phillips found dead in his prison cell

WHEN Lawrence Phillips was drafted to the NFL, he was expected to get rich and become a star. Then he lost a game and all hell broke loose.

NFL: Former NFL player Phillips found dead in jail

AS falls from grace go, it’s hard to believe Lawrence Phillips could have sunk much further.

From an NFL standout to a 31-year prison sentence and allegations of murdering, his was already a pretty dreadful tale.

But the tragedy of the ex-sportsman’s life took another twist overnight when the 40-year-old was found dead in his jail cell after penning a series of letters to his former coach, charting his downward spiral.

He wrote of spending time “in the hole”, having “zero friends” and calling prison “a jungle” and even forewarned of something terrible happening.

“I feel myself very close to snapping,’’ wrote Phillips in March last year. “I feel my anger is near bursting and that will result in my death or the death of someone else.’’

The 40-year-old was caught in a nightmare of his own making, and it all started with a young man full of promise — and one lost game.

THE CAREER THAT NEVER QUITE TOOK OFF

Phillips’ body was found inside a cell he occupied alone at the Kern Valley State Prison in California on Wednesday. In a statement, prison officials said suicide was suspected.

It was 22 years and more than 2000km from the place and time where Phillips had the world at his feet. In Nebraska in 1994, he starred as running back for a college team that won the national championship.

Lawrence Phillips was serving 31 years in prison. Picture: Anne Cusack/LA Times via AP

Off-field problems were present in 1995 when he allegedly dragged his girlfriend down three flights of stairs by her hair. He was suspended but the big leagues still came calling.

Phillips was drafted to the NFL in 1996 by St Louis and was expected to enjoy a big money career and star for the Rams. That didn’t eventuate.

In three seasons, Phillips bounced around the league. He spent time in Miami with the Dolphins and San Francisco with the 49ers. He was cut for refusing to practice and in 2005, after losing a pick-up game, he took years of frustration out on his girlfriend and three pedestrians.

The New York Times reports Phillips choked his girlfriend unconscious and drove his car into three teenagers after a dispute during the game. He was sentenced to 31 years and was serving that sentence when he started writing letters to Tony Zane and Ty Pagone, both former coaches at Baldwin Park High School in Southern California.

‘COACH, THIS PLACE IS A JUNGLE’

“Dear Coach Zane. How are you doing? I’m doing well,” he wrote in January, 2014.

“As you might have noticed on the envelope, I have been moved from the cell I was in. I spent some days in the hole for refusing to room with a gang member.”

Lawrence Phillips, 21, gaining yards for the St. Louis Rams. Picture: L.G. Patterson/AP

In May that year he wrote to Mr Pagone: “We are still today on lock down due to some stabbings and assaults between black and white inmates. It has been ongoing for sometime.

“I do not have a cell mate. All of these dudes want to use drugs and...weapons in the cell. I’m in the process of applying for single-cell status. I will let you know how that goes.”

It didn’t go well and, before year’s end, he was charged with the murder of his fellow cellmate Damion Soward. A trial was in the early stages when Phillips’ body was found by staff conducting security checks in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

In one of his final letters, Phillips wrote that his situation was worsening but that he knew he had to accept the consequences of his decisions.

“Well, there is nothing new happening here,” he told one of his coaches, according to USA Today.

“We are still locked down. One of the guards was assaulted so it may be a while. Coach, this place is a jungle. Trouble everywhere. One must swallow his pride constantly or one will always be in the hole. But we must deal with the situation we put ourselves in.

“Sometimes I just want to hurt one of these people.”

On social media, users remembered Phillips for everything he never achieved but promised to.

Lawrence Phillips found dead in prison at age 40: What a shame. Possibly the best back we've ever had.

— CFB News (@CFBLiveNews) January 14, 2016

When Nebraska was still Nebraska Lawrence Phillips was the tailback that held them there... Just sad how it all turned out... #1

— Travis Williamson (@purebeans) January 14, 2016

Former Rams RB Lawrence Phillips found dead in prison at age 40. Beyond tragic. He had so many chances. #LawrencePhillips

— Keith Frank (@KeithFrank31) January 14, 2016

Lawrence Phillips' death is a tragic end to a tragic life. Can't imagine going through life constantly battling the demons in your head

— Kevin Philpot (@KevinPhilpot) January 14, 2016

Can't believe Lawrence Phillips committed suicide. Dude was super talented, but had a troubled life smh.

— Matt O. (@mattoluborode) January 14, 2016

Originally published as Former NFL star Lawrence Phillips found dead in his prison cell