In the first reported criminal case brought against a coach in connection with a player’s on-field death, high school football coach Jason Stinson was found not guilty of reckless homicide and wanton endangerment in connection with the death of Max Gilpin. The jury needed 90 minutes to reach its verdict.
Despite the testimony of several experts that Gilpin sufferred exertional heat stroke, and that of UConn professor Douglas Casa, who testified that Gilpin could have been saved if treated immediately after his collapse, the jury sided with Stinson. Stinson’s defense included experts who testified that a combination of heat, the use of the dietary supplement creatine and attention deficit disorder drug Adderall, and being ill were the main factors that contributed to Gilpin’s death. (See full AP report).
While Stinson is reportedly cleared to return to teaching and apply for coaching positions, he still may be liable for Gilpin’s death in a civil lawsuit.
See ABC News’ Charles Gibson on the Stinson case:
[...] Friday Night Rights: Kentucky High School Coach Acquitted [...]