NASHVILLE, Tenn. - A probate court judge in Nashville Friday afternoon authorized the sale of slain NFL quarterback Steve McNair's stake in the restaurant he opened earlier this year.
McNair opened Gridiron 9 on Jefferson Street in north Nashville just weeks before he was fatally shot by his 20-year-old girlfriend Sahel Kazemi, who then turned the gun on herself.
Court filings show McNair owned an 80% interest in the restaurant, with the other 20% split equally between McNair's cousin, Raymond White, and friend, Robert Gaddy.
It was Gaddy who called 911 to report McNair's murder on July 4. In September, it was revealed McNair co-signed the lease of a Parthenon Avenue condo for White, which was later reportedly occupied by a young woman.
Last month, McNair's widow Mechelle filed a motion to allow her husband's estate to divest ownership of the restaurant, whether the co-owners agree to the deal or not.
Earlier this week, White filed an objection stating that he and Gaddy should be in control of the restaurant, since McNair passed away.
Following Friday's hearing, White's attorney couldn't say what his client's intentions were.
"I know it's a bit strange but I have not had opportunity to talk to my client really about this motion," he told News 2.
It now appears B.G. & W. Eateries will purchase McNair's stake, valued at $45,000, and strip McNair's name from the restaurant, as Mechelle McNair's initial motion requested.
B.G. & W. Eateries has said they hope to reopen the restaurant, which has been closed since McNair's death, in time for Tennessee State University's homecoming the first week of November.
Related Stories:
- Sept. 25, 2009: Ex-con pleads guilty to selling gun in McNair murder
- Sept. 15, 2009: McNair estate inventory lists $19.6M in assets
- Sept. 9, 2009: Records: McNair paid woman's rent
- Aug. 13, 2009: Felon indicted for selling gun in McNair murder
- July 25, 2009: Mechelle McNair breaks her silence
- July 24, 2009: Felon arrested following McNair's death to stay in prison
- July 22, 2009: Bond hearing for ex-con in McNair case continued
- July 20, 2009: McNair's blood alcohol was twice legal limit when killed
- July 17, 2009: Felon arrested in sale of gun used in McNair murder
- July 16, 2009: McNair's wife: Steve didn't have will
- July 11, 2009: Steve McNair laid to rest in Mississippi
- July 10, 2009: McNair's girlfriend laid to rest in Florida
- July 9, 2009: Thousands turn out to memorialize, honor slain quarterback
- July 9, 2009: Hundreds gather at funeral home to say goodbye to No. 9
- July 9, 2009: Sports radio host calls McNair's death 'numbing'
- July 8, 2009: Who was Sahel Kazemi?
- July 8, 2009: Police: McNair killed by girlfriend in murder-suicide
- July 8, 2009: Fans pay respects to slain quarterback at LP Field
- July 8, 2009: Friend says he first met McNair's girlfriend last week
- July 7, 2009: Titans open LP Field for fans to pay respects
- July 7, 2009: Rap song has some questioning McNair murder
- July 7, 2009: Abundance of McNair memorabilia online
- July 7, 2009: Questions remain 3 days after McNair's death
- July 7, 2009: Condo owner walks News 2 through crime scene
- July 7, 2009: Murder-suicide likely scenario despite unknown motive
- July 7, 2009: Police: MySpace comment made after McNair's death
- July 7, 2009: McNair's college coach reflects on the former Titan's career
- July 6, 2009: Police: McNair's girlfriend purchased gun Thursday
- July 6, 2009: Fisher calls McNair 'great person', 'tremendous teammate'
- July 6, 2009: Neighbors say McNair frequented girlfriend's apartment
- July 6, 2009: Memorial for McNair planned for Thursday
- July 6, 2009: Community holds candlelight vigil to remember McNair
- July 5, 2009: Autopsy shows McNair shot 4 times
- July 4, 2009: Former Titan Steve McNair dead
- July 1, 2009: Former Titans' QB opens Nashville restaurant
Steve McNair
