Landmark Trial
Stinson's was the first criminal trial of a football coach in the United States for a heat-related death of a player. The prosecution questioned several players about the practice in an attempt to convince the jury that Stinson denied players water and excessively ran them to the point of vomiting or passing out on a day the heat index reached 94 degrees. Gilpin's body temperature was at least 107 degrees and University of Connecticut Associate Professor Douglas Casa testified that Gilpin might have lived if he was immersed in an ice bath after he collapsed.

Defense attorneys relied on players who claimed they ran only a few more sprints than normal and medical experts who claimed that little could have been done to prevent Gilpin's death. Dr. Daniel Danzl, chairman of the University of Louisville's department of emergency medicine and former Kentucky medical examiner Dr. George Nichols testified that Gilpin's dehydration and heat illness were likely caused by his prescription for Adderall, an amphetamine used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and use of creatine, an over-the-counter supplement for building muscle mass, as well as a possible viral illness he suffered that day. Gilpin's stepmother, Lois Gilpin, testified that Max was warm to the touch and complained of being sick before school on the day he collapsed.

Stinson was placed in a non-instructional position during the trial and may now return to his teaching job and apply for coaching positions. Former assistant John Hiser has taken over head coaching duties for this season. Family members of Gilpin have filed a civil suit for wrongful death against Stinson.

Lasting Impact
No matter the verdict, Gilpin's death and Stinson's trial brought change and will likely cause more. The Kentucky General Assembly passed a bill earlier this year requiring coaches to complete sports-safety and first aid courses for heat emergencies. Coaches at Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS), the district where Pleasure Ridge Park is located, also must attend a seminar teaching positive coaching and character building strategies. JCPS also mandates that student-athletes and at least one of their parents must attend an educational session about many health concerns, including dietary supplements. Many involved with high school athletics hope this tragedy advances the case for requiring certified athletic trainers at all the nation's high schools, as only 42 percent currently have access to athletic trainers.

"This trial has put a major focus on the healthcare of young athletes," says National Athletic Trainers Association President Marjorie J. Albohm, MS, ATC. "What is more important than ensuring that the right medical professional is taking care of your kids? Athletic trainers are the first responders when a student-athlete goes down on the playing field. Without the presence of the athletic trainer, students risk the onset of prolonged or misdiagnosed illness or injury and even fatal consequences if they are not responded to immediately."

Earlier this year the NATA issued a report suggesting new guidelines for avoiding heat illness, including eliminating two-a-day practices during the first week of August. Some are worried that Stinson's acquittal will reinforce tough-minded practice tactics for coaches.

"I believe Max died because of when the practice was held and how it was held," Susan Yeargin, an Assistant Professor of Athletic Training Education at Indiana State University told The Courier-Journal. "It is scary that coaches may think that how they conduct practice has no impact."

But most are optimistic that the trial will serve as a public service announcement for student-athlete safety.

"As public and private discussions of this verdict and its impact on coaches and administrators take place over the coming days and weeks, no one should lose sight of the fact that a young man lost his life in this tragic situation," Grant Teaff, Executive Director of the American Football Coaches Association, said in a statement. "This case serves as a reminder to all of us that player safety should be of paramount concern to coaches in every sport."

Mixed Reaction
When the 'not guilty' verdict came down, Stinson, his family, and seemingly much of the local community celebrated.

"There never should have been a criminal case," Lloyd Gardner, a former athletic director and coach at nearby Fairdale High School told The Courier-Journal. "There's a lot of relief for a lot of people in PRP."

Not everyone has supported Stinson in the aftermath of the trial. Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Jonathan Zimmerman suggests most people would be outraged if a math teacher behaved as Stinson did during that practice.

"There is no evidence--none--that maligning athletes improves their play or helps them mature," Zimmerman wrote. "Indeed, most research points in the opposite direction: Kids who are demeaned by their coaches do worse on the field, and they often drop out of sports altogether out of feelings of worthlessness. By contrast, the kids who receive praise and develop confidence are the ones who succeed."

Eric Crawford of The Courier-Journal, writes that the trial must serve as a learning experience.

"The message that emanates from this trial is not the one that defense attorneys were pushing after the trial Thursday: that this was business as usual in football," he wrote. "It can't be. That's what this trial was about. Kids dying of preventable causes cannot be accepted as business as usual."

Kyle Garratt is an Assistant Editor at Athletic Management.

READER FEEDBACK:

Training the coaches in cpr/first aid and sport related injuries/illness is NOT THE ANSWER! There are conflicts of interests in that setting. A kid may skirt his way back onto the field or a coach may push them back to the field.
Another reason that all high schools should have athletic trainers.

-Byron Millwood, M.S., ATC, SCAT
Head Athletic Trainer
Gilbert High School