Mom of teen player who died after football practice is first witness in Ky. coach’s trial

Mom testifies in Ky coach trial over player death

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The mother of a Kentucky high school football player who died after collapsing at practice has taken the stand in the trial of the former coach, who is charged with reckless homicide in the death.

Michele Crockett’s voice cracked at times Friday as she talked about her 15-year-old son, Max Gilpin. She was the first witness, and her early testimony centered on attention-deficit medication he took.

Former Pleasure Ridge Park High School coach David Jason Stinson is charged with reckless homicide and wanton endangerment in the death of Gilpin, who collapsed while running in 94-degree heat in August 2008 and later died.

Prosecutors say Stinson ran a brutal practice that day, denying players water. Stinson’s defense said the practice wasn’t unusually hard.