Ex-Ky. coach acquitted in death of teen who collapsed during practice to resume teaching job

Coach cleared in player’s death to resume teaching

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A former Kentucky high school football coach acquitted last week in the death of a player was cleared Monday to return to the classroom as a technical teacher and apply for coaching positions.

David Jason Stinson, 37, can resume teaching at Pleasure Ridge Park High School on Thursday, Jefferson County Public Schools spokeswoman Lauren Roberts said.

Roberts said Stinson met Monday with school district officials, including Superintendent Sheldon Berman. After that, officials decided to allow Stinson to return to the school where he was teaching and coaching when he was indicted. Stinson also received a letter saying he could apply for coaching jobs.

“You are welcome to apply for positions of your choosing,” employee relations director Caroline Meredith wrote in the letter released Monday. “We wish you well as you continue your career.”

A jury last week deliberated less than 90 minutes before finding Stinson not guilty of reckless homicide and wanton endangerment charges stemming from the collapse and death of 15-year-old sophomore offensive lineman Max Gilpin.

Gilpin became ill and fell at the end of practice on Aug. 20, 2008. He died three days later at a Louisville hospital of heat stroke, sepsis and multiple organ failure. A grand jury indicted Stinson in January.

Prosecutors said Stinson ran the players to the point of abuse, causing Gilpin’s death. However, Stinson’s attorneys said that the practice wasn’t unusual and that multiple factors contributed to Gilpin’s death.

A message left for Todd Thompson, the attorney for Gilpin’s mother, Michele Crockett, was not immediately returned Monday.

Brian Butler, one of Stinson’s attorneys, said Stinson wants to coach again. In a statement on the Web site www.supportourstinson.com, Stinson and his wife, Monica, thanked supporters for their prayers during the trial.

“Your support did not put a teacher back in the classroom and a coach on the football field,” the statement said. “What it did do is put a Jesus-loving teacher and coach back where he belongs and that is making a difference in the lives of our students.”

Rodney Daugherty, a friend of Stinson’s who runs the Web site, said Stinson may meet with school officials about coaching this season.

“He doesn’t need to be a head coach,” Daugherty said. “If he can help this football team by calling plays from the press box, that’s what he’ll do.”

In July, Berman said Stinson would be allowed to teach and coach if he were acquitted. Berman also said Stinson used poor motivational techniques in handling the players the day Gilpin collapsed.

Crockett and her ex-husband, Jeff Gilpin, have sued Stinson and other school officials over the death. That case is set for trial in February.