Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Defense Begins In Stinson Case

((HT: Fox 41/WDRB))

Judge Susan Schultz Gibson on Tuesday denied a request to dismiss charges against Jason Stinson. That's when the defense started presenting its case. The former coach is charged with reckless homicide and wanton endangerment in player Max Gilpin's death.

Five teenagers were the opening witnesses for the defense. One said Gilpin complained of feeling ill before practice and as players helped him off the field after he collapsed.

"He just kept repeating he didn't feel good,"
the teen said. He helped Gilpin off the field. "Then, he just stopped." Another teen said Gilpin complained of feeling ill at lunchtime and after school. "He wasn't really talking as much as he usually does," the teen said. "I asked him what was wrong. He said he didn't feel good."

The four players who testified Tuesday also said Stinson never denied players water and didn't berate them as they ran. Other witnesses have said Stinson called players cowards and threatened to run players until someone quit the team.

Prosecutors said Stinson ran players to excess as punishment. Stinson's defense says the practice wasn't unusually hard.

Dr. Dan Danzl, Chairman of Emergency Medicine at the University of Louisville, testified that Gilpin likely died from what's known as an exertional heatstroke -- common in young people.

Stephan Johnson got to stand outside the courthouse for his live shot again...

No comments: