They may go ahead and try PRP football coach Jason Stinson in front of a jury, but the evidence released by Jefferson County Commonwealth Attorney Dave Stengel confirms what we’ve been saying all along — Stinson did call his players cowards, ordered them to run sprints until someone quit and denied water to the players.
And sure, Max Gilpin’s death was still an accident, but Stinson is likely to be convicted of reckless homicide if his case goes to trial. Stengel has a solid case.
It’s hard to see how all those Stinson supporters, the ones who held rallies on his behalf and listened to him talk about his faith and joined online support groups, can condone Stinson’s actions at the August practice in light of the now-public evidence, which includes interviews with players, coaches and witnesses collected by Louisville Police.
Thus far, Sheldon Berman, the JCPS superintendant, has staunchly defended Stinson and agreed to place him in a non-teaching position. So Stinson’s still getting paid, which is mind-boggling. It’s time for Berman to step up, take a look at the evidence of what happened as a result of Stinson’s irresponsible behavior on the football field, and take some strong action.
7 responses so far ↓
1 Steve Magruder (I, not D or R) // Mar 3, 2009 at 4:30 pm
It still boggles my mind that vigils were held for the reckless (or worse) coach, rather than the dead boy. Yay for the killer? What’s with some people these days?
2 Gordon // Mar 3, 2009 at 4:38 pm
Fire Berman, lock Stinson up, and give the Gilpin family an appropriate settlement. Of course, nothing will bring their son back…..so sad and preventable.
3 Punditarod // Mar 3, 2009 at 8:39 pm
Seems to me that Stinson’s reprehensible actions are consistent with a culture where parents allow their kids to practice America’s sport in the heat of the day. Why didn’t they demand beforehand that practices be held in cooler times of the day? Why didn’t they tell their kids that practicing at such times was unhealthy and forbid them doing so? Over the top machismo is not necessarily criminal.
4 Steve Magruder (I, not D or R) // Mar 3, 2009 at 10:30 pm
Certainly though, Stinson is an adult who can read a thermometer and a schooled teacher who knows the concept of hyperthermia. I see no room for excuses for this man at this point.
5 AB // Mar 4, 2009 at 7:57 am
No excuses. Even if Max had been using creatine (which could definitely be a contributing factor since it increases the need for hydration), Stinson created an atmosphere where asking for water would make you a “coward”. If Stinson has a good lawyer, he should be seeking a plea deal. Principal Johnson should resign or be fired. Berman should not have his contract renewed for his unbelieveably lackadaisical approach to getting to the bottom of Max’s death. Just another example of JCPS mediocrity.
6 James R. // Mar 5, 2009 at 1:39 am
While this is a totally horrible situation there are many many unanswered questions. I am not defending the football coach at all, but was Stinson told that Max Gilpin taking creatine, a growth hormone pills which causes dehydration?
His parents said in the Courier that PRP was not told about the creatine, a growth hormone pills, but reported to PRP prior to football season that he was taking other pills for ADD.
If the coach is guilty he should certainly be punished. But I believe that serious questions should be ask about these growth hormone pills which were being taken, which several high school wrestlers across the nation have died while using.
Why were the parents allowing this kid to take them? Would you allow your kid to take them? Why was there no autopsy. This may sound cruel and tough, but there are hard serious questions that need to be ask. In todays world there is always someone to blame. Again, I do not support the coach nor do I oppose him.
People are outraged that baseball star A-Rod is taking steroids. People and PETA went ballistic when a horse died in the Derby last year was taking drugs.
Why should they not be upset or not ask serious questions about anyone that a 15 year old was taking growth hormone pills?
Im sure it is too much to ask Kentucky legislators to ban high school students from ever playing sports again in their high school career if they are ever found to be taking creatine or any other form of growth hormone pills. We deserve better.
7 Charlie // Mar 7, 2009 at 9:21 am
Growth hormone pill? Maybe he was concerned about his physique. Pretty natural for kids.
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