Redskins' Sean Taylor mourned in Miami

Sports

Funeral of slain Redskins safety Sean Taylor in Miami 12/3/07.

A worker arranges plants prior to the funeral for Washington Redskins safety Sean Taylor at the Pharmed Arena at Florida International University in Miami Monday, Dec. 3, 2007.

Thousands began filling the FIU arena Monday for the slain NFL safety's funeral, a week after he was shot in his home and days after four men were charged with killing him during the robbery. O.J. Simpson was among those at the funeral. Wearing a suit and sunglasses, he called Taylor a "complete athlete. He was just a great athlete, terrific guy," Simpson said.

Former Hurricanes coaches Larry Coker and Butch Davis sat in the front row, along with current coach Randy Shannon. The Redskins organization filled one section of the gymnasium. Meanwhile, four young men charged with killing Taylor sat in jail cells on the other side of the state in Fort Myers. The suspects are expected to be transported to Miami sometime after the funeral, said attorney Sawyer Smith, who is representing suspect Jason Mitchell, 19.

Police escort the Taylor funeral procession to the FIU arena for services Monday. The remembrances for the 24-year-old player began Sunday night. Thousands paid their respects at a wake at Second Baptist Church in south Miami and at a vigil at the University of Miami.

Taylor's casket was surrounded by bouquets. Behind it, a large video screen showed highlights of Taylor's playing career with the Redskins, Miami Hurricanes and high school.

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A worker arranges plants prior to the funeral for Washington Redskins safety Sean Taylor at the Pharmed Arena at Florida International University in Miami Monday, Dec. 3, 2007.

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