Raider Draft Pick Bender Found Dead

MARIETTA, Ga. — Leon Bender, a Washington State defensive tackle who signed with the Oakland Raiders this month as a second-round draft pick, was found dead Saturday at his agent’s home in this suburb north of Atlanta.

Cause of death was not immediately known. Police do not suspect foul play, Cobb County police spokesman Robert Quigley said.

Bender, 22, had epilepsy, a Washington State athletic spokeswoman said.

The 6-foot-5, 300-pounder from Santee, Calif., was the 31st pick overall in the NFL draft.

Bender was married and had a 2-year-old daughter.