Jack Tatum (The Assassin), Who Paralyzed And Crippled Darryl Stingley …Dies At 61.

Former Oakland Raider, and Pro Bowl safety, who is notoriously known for paralyzing and crippling fellow football player Darryl Stingley in an NFL preseason game in 1978,Jack Tatum has died. He was 61.(SOURCE)

The cause of death was a massive heart attack.(Fanhouse)

Darryl Stingley, the man he crippled in a vicious hit in a game on Aug. 12, 1978, died  three years ago at 55. Stingley was a receiver for the New England Patriots, and he spent the last three decades confined to a wheel chair.

Jack Tatum is said to have never spoken to Stingley after the life changing incident, and I remember seeing him on a news program communicating to the audience that he felt bad for what happened to Stingley, but he held no remorse for what he did.

Oakland Raider Great...Jack Tatum

There was nothing illegal about the tackle under the rules of 1978. No flag was thrown, no fine was assessed. It was the kind of hit that fans craved, and networks showed on the highlights.

Stingley was said to be hurt that Tatum never came by after the incident.

Tatum was quoted as saying he tried, but was kept away by the Stingley family.

Stingley was reportedly upset he never heard an apology.

Tatum was quoted as saying he felt bad about what had happened, but had not done anything illegal to apologize for. The league and the fans and the media had honored him for being a hard tackler. Had everyone forgotten that?(SOURCE)

Ironically, towards the end of his life, he was afflicted with diabetes, and suffered the loss of his limbs.(SOURCE)

The Assassin...Jack Tatum!!!May he rest in peace...

Jack Tatum is a revered figure for those that like the Raiders style of football. For more on the career of the great Jack Tatum, click on this Link (WIKI).