THE CANADIAN PRESS
HAMILTON — Linebacker Jamacia Jackson, who spent last season with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, was found dead Monday in South Carolina. He was 26.
"Jamacia was a beloved player, teammate and friend," Ticats head coach Charlie Taaffe said in a statement. "He will be truly missed by our entire team.
"Our sincere condolences are with Jamacia’s family and friends."
Jackson was found unresponsive at his girlfriend’s home in Sumter, S.C., and pronounced dead at a hospital. A cause of death wasn’t immediately known.
"The CFL is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Jamacia Jackson," CFL commissioner Mark Cohon said in a statement. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends, fans and teammates during this time of mourning."
Jackson’s stepmother, Cleo Jackson, told The Associated Press that the six-foot-one, 210-pound player was in good health and had lifted weights Saturday.
"Jamacia was a respected and talented member of our team who worked as hard in our community as he did on the field," said Ticats president Scott Mitchell. "Our thoughts and prayers are with Jamacia’s family."
Jackson is the second Ticats’ player to die during a recent off-season. Offensive lineman Travis Claridge died Feb. 28, 2006 after being found unconscious in his Las Vegas home. His death was later ruled accidental. Claridge was 27.
Jackson, a native of Sumter, spent last season with the Ticats after signing with the CFL club as a free agent Jan. 11, 2007.
He signed with the NFL’s New York Giants in 2006 but was allocated to NFL Europe and was selected in the 16th round by the Berlin Thunder. He attended Berlin’s training camp but was released March 5 and subsequently cut loose by the Giants two weeks later.
Jackson signed with the NFL’s Tennessee Titans in 2005 as an undrafted free agent but was released during training camp. He subsequently joined the Montreal Alouettes’ practice roster.
Jackson spent his college career at the University of South Carolina (2001-’04). He appeared in 43 games over four seasons, including 21 as a starting strong safety. He registered 159 career tackles, two sacks and two interceptions, returning one 98 yards for a touchdown. He also forced three fumbles and recovered two others.
