[Bette]

Coaches around the country are focused on the homicide trial of former football coach Jason Stenson of Pleasure Ridge Park High in Kentucky. Stenson has been charged in the death of sophomore Max Gilpin who died of heat stroke in August 2008.
Prosecutors have said Stinson withheld water from players and forced them to run wind sprints until someone quit the team on a day when the heat index was 104 degrees.
Now I understand the need for toughness and all that good macho stuff, but it would seem that common sense has to prevail. Withheld water? Give me a break.
Do you agree or disagree?

[mike honcho]

I say hang him.That's bull****

[kkfan91]

i know from when i played soccer in high school they do not give near enough water breaks as it is necessary to be good

[squirrel15]

There was a similiar incident recently with a college program I think where a player died from heat stroke. I understand wanting to push these kids but depriving water and making them go through a full practice with a heat index high enough that the general population is being warned to stay in air conditioned places and limit physical activity is irresponsible and rediculous. I don't understand why not one member of that coaching staff questioned this behavior? Are they all ignorant or just a bunch of follow the leader I think I have some balls I just have to find them coaches. They should all be held responsible guilty by stupidity.

[Quality88]

Hold on folks... You don't know what's goin on. I live two miles from the school this took place at. The prosecutors early on had already had showed he didn't deny them water yet they are still tryin to say he did deny them.

The judge just threw out alot of the prosecutors "so-called" evidence, and denied their continuence.

The heat index was 94 not 104, the boys body temperature was 104 when he was taken to the hospital, and the boy had been sick that day before attending practice (that came out after the fact). KHSAA rules state that the situation must be monitored when the heat index reaches 94, and when the heat index hits 95, their must be waterbreaks every 30 mins. Prosecutors are now trying to say that the equipment has a 1 degree margin sayin it was 95 that day. Thing is there are several highschools in Louisville Kentucky, and all but one reported 94 that day.

Here's another tidbit for ya folks... they are not exatly sure what caused the death as the parents refused an autopsy.

The man is just being made an example out of. Remember, 2 sides to every story.

[squirrel15]

Thank you for the info. It is true I hadn't read details about this case. It is unfortunate that a young man died under these circumstances. I do believe these situations need to be monitored more closely and the coaching staffs should take a more cautious stance when conducting practices under these types of heat conditions. Really what is 1 degree of heat index amount to. If it was 95 and not 94 what really is the difference?

[Bette]

Originally Posted by Quality88

Hold on folks... You don't know what's goin on. I live two miles from the school this took place at. The prosecutors early on had already had showed he didn't deny them water yet they are still tryin to say he did deny them.

The judge just threw out alot of the prosecutors "so-called" evidence, and denied their continuence.

The heat index was 94 not 104, the boys body temperature was 104 when he was taken to the hospital, and the boy had been sick that day before attending practice (that came out after the fact). KHSAA rules state that the situation must be monitored when the heat index reaches 94, and when the heat index hits 95, their must be waterbreaks every 30 mins. Prosecutors are now trying to say that the equipment has a 1 degree margin sayin it was 95 that day. Thing is there are several highschools in Louisville Kentucky, and all but one reported 94 that day.

Here's another tidbit for ya folks... they are not exatly sure what caused the death as the parents refused an autopsy.

The man is just being made an example out of. Remember, 2 sides to every story.

Thanks for the update. I didnt read anything about the other side of the story except that the boy had ADHD.

Originally Posted by squirrel15

Thank you for the info. It is true I hadn't read details about this case. It is unfortunate that a young man died under these circumstances. I do believe these situations need to be monitored more closely and the coaching staffs should take a more cautious stance when conducting practices under these types of heat conditions. Really what is 1 degree of heat index amount to. If it was 95 and not 94 what really is the difference?

In real life it makes no diff, but in the legal world it makes a diff whether not coach was following the rules.

[Quality88]

Originally Posted by Bette

Thanks for the update. I didnt read anything about the other side of the story except that the boy had ADHD.


In real life it makes no diff, but in the legal world it makes a diff whether not coach was following the rules.

The prosecutors are on a witch hunt, and tryin to spin anything they can to convict him. Its a cryin shame.

[LSC9901]

Once again the media reports what will sell newspapers. They couldn't care less what happens to someones life (the coach). Without doubt his career is ruined by innuendos. Facts don't matter to the media and far to many lawyers.

[Bette]

Originally Posted by LSC9901

Once again the media reports what will sell newspapers. They couldn't care less what happens to someones life (the coach). Without doubt his career is ruined by innuendos. Facts don't matter to the media and far to many lawyers.

Thats exactly what happened here. I didnt read anything like Quality said and it makes me really angry that I got sucked in again. I really appreciate it when someone like Quality who lives there gives both sides of the story.

[Quality88]

UPDATE: The jury has found the former coach not guilty on all counts. I know this because I live where this is takin place, so I saw the verdict live. I will post an article update as soon as one is put out.

[Bette]

I just heard on the news he was acquitted but they didnt give any reason why.
I will be looking for your update.

[Quality88]

David Jason Stinson found not guilty in football player’s death | courier-journal.com | The Courier-Journal

here ya go

[Quality88]

They think the key was the fact that teammates and his stepmom testified about him not feeling good the day before and the day of practice (that was on the news channel and I think in the article).

[Bette]

It left me still with questions.
Wouldnt he have been dehydrated if he suffered from heat stroke?
Did the coach refuse them water?
Shouldnt there be an autopsy to see what the boy really died from? He had ADHD. He would have been on medications.
Defense is right. Prosecute football, not the coach. Coaches are under a lot of pressure. These are high school kids.