Kentucky high school football coach David Jason Stinson was found not guilty today of a reckless homicide and wanton endangerment charge in the death of 15-year-old offensive lineman Max Gilpin, who collapsed during practice while running in 94-degree heat in August of 2008, and died three days later.
Prosecutors stated that he ran a tough practice on a hot day and made players sick. The defense said that there were other factors involved that added to Gilpin collapsing (he took several medications), according to CNN.
Rodney Daugherty, organized a website dedicated to raising money for Stinson's legal defense said contributions from coaching organizations from as far away as Minnesota and South Carolina have helped raise nearly $90,000, according to WLKY.
"I think every coach in the nation should be behind this guy, because this could be any one of them," Daugherty said.
Jimmie Reed, executive director of the Kentucky Football Coaches Association, says his group contributed to Stinson's defense because it believes Gilpin's death was an accident, according to WLKY.
"I think it's a very unfortunate situation, it was an act of God that's completely out of our hands," Reed said. "I don't see where, from what I've been told and read, I don't see where Coach Stinson did anything that could have prevented it."
High school football coaches around the country have been nervous awaiting a decision in this trial. New football regulations are being put into place around the country, according to a news article from Utah's Deseret News. Utah policies require even tougher protection due to the evalvation and heat, according to KSL.
Related articles:
Trial starts Monday for Kentucky football coach over players’ death
Football heat deaths have coaches nervous
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