Funeral held for slain former Saints football player

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Funeral services were held Saturday for former New Orleans Saints defensive end Will Smith, who was shot and killed a week ago.

A private funeral service was held at a downtown theater.

Saints players, former players, coaches and managers attended the service as did friends and family, according to Nola.com ‘ The Times-Picayune. Pallbearers included Smith’s former Saints teammates.

Smith died a week ago after police said he was shot by 28-year-old Cardell Hayes during a traffic altercation.

A visitation was held Friday at the Saints practice facility in Metairie, a suburb of New Orleans.

Members of the Saints team and staff as well as fans — many wearing their black and gold Saints gear — gathered to pay their respects at Smith’s orchid-covered coffin.

Nearby, a video screen showed snippets of Smith’s famous tackles and sacks as well as photos from his life off the field.