really?
the legendary jopa has this story covered up for years, it finally hits the national press, and he subsequently dies a relatively fast death, while still seemingly healthy enough to coach division 1 football, even tho he is 85 years old. this story, and his own first hand knowledge of what happened inside the 4 walls and his involvement in such, crushed him like a rag doll once it was out in the open.
I read it as you thought somebody killed him to keep him quiet. With your further explanation, yes that is a very plausible explanation.