There’s a bizarre story developing out of Texas this week, involving now-deceased former Carolina Panther offensive lineman Curtis Whitley.

The CHARLOTTE OBSERVER and RALEIGH NEWS & OBSERVER report that Whitley, who was the starting center for the Panthers in 1995 and part of 1996, was found dead recently in Texas. Family members are “still awaiting details on his cause of death.”

Whitley, who turned 39 on Saturday, was suspended by the NFL for violating the league’s drug policy in 1996. The original reason cited by the Panthers was alcohol abuse, but in a book chronicling the team’s 1996 season, Whitley later admitted that his drug of choice was much more serious.

CHARLOTTE OBSERVER:

The Panthers chose him in the expansion draft. It was originally announced the 1996 suspension was alcohol-related, but Whitley later admitted he had inhaled crystal methamphetamine.

That revelation came in “Year of the Cat“, which recounted the Panthers’ improbable run to the NFC championship game.

And of course, that leads us all to guess the reason for Whitley’s untimely demise.