Former Super Bowl Champion, O.J. Brigance, who lives with ALS opposes assisted suicide.

By Alex Schadenberg
Executive Director - Euthanasia Prevention Coalition

O. J. Brigance

The Daily Signal reported that former Super Bowl champion, O.J. Brigance, testified against assisted suicide at the Maryland Senate Judiciary Committee hearings on Tuesday March 10.

Brigance, who was a Super Bowl champ with the Baltimore Ravens in 2000, has been living with ALS for 8 years. 

Link to the testimony.

Brigance urged the committee to reject the assisted suicide bill because it would "devalue lives." Brigance said that he has enjoyed some of the most meaningful years of his life since being diagnosed. He said:

"The thought that there would be a legal avenue for an individual to take his or her own life in a moment of despair, robbing family, friends and society of their presence and contribution to society deeply saddens me and is a tragedy,"

He also said:  

“Since being diagnosed, I have done a greater good for society in eight years, than in my 37 years on earth.”

Maryland is expected to vote on the assisted suicide bill in the next few weeks.

Governor Larry Hogan, during the last election, said that he would veto an assisted suicide bill.