First witnesses expected to be called in former Ky. coach’s trial for player’s death

Testimony to begin in trial for Ky. player’s death

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The first witnesses are expected to testify in the trial of a former high school coach charged with reckless homicide in the death of one of his football players.

Prosecutors are presenting their case Friday against former Pleasure Ridge Park High School coach David Jason Stinson.

Stinson is being tried on reckless homicide and wanton endangerment charges connected to the death of 15-year-old Max Gilpin, who collapsed at practice while running in 94-degree heat in August 2008 and later died.

In opening statements, prosecutors said Stinson ran a brutal practice the day Gilpin collapsed, denying players water and using tactics that led to the sophomore lineman’s death three days later. Stinson’s defense said the practice wasn’t unusually hard.