Jerry has to move to the press box.

[Indi1006]

This is probably your worst post yet. You have no clue if any of this is true.

Do you really think its likely not a true take on his situation or does it just make you feel bad for him or uncomfortable to see it articulated? He has a chance to hold onto this job, but he effectively isn't ever going to be on a BCS teams short list ever again. Sad, not his fault, etc and while I don't know this for sure you and I both know its likely reality.

 

[hyaluronic]

99.99 percent of all jobs Jerry can do. A head coach of a college football team is maybe not one that fits his bill any longer. So he breaks into a 10 minute seizure on the sidelines and you all are so hip and politically correct you shrug it off and act like nothing happened? Impossible.

I have had the fortune of working with people who have disabilities, some happened to be epileptic. Many did not have their seizures controlled completely by medications. A few would often have at least one seizure per week. One averaged more than one tonic clonic seizure per day. I have worked with someone who had no history of seizures, yet had two in my presence. I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to take him on his first neurology appointments, including a sleep study, where epilepsy was ultimately diagnosed.

So, I do not come from the same position as most, but I can unequivocally say that when I see a seizure, I do not freak out. There is no reason to do so. My goal then, as it is now with Kill, is to ensure they live the fullest, most rewarding life possible.

I find it very upsetting that people think someone else's life should be restricted because you do not understand a condition, nor do you respect them enough as a person to let them do what they love.

And I'll reiterate, if Kill chooses to step down, or if a coaching change has to be made because the program is not successful, I fully support those decisions. Until then, I support Jerry Kill in doing what he loves - coaching.

 

[Indi1006]

I have had the fortune of working with people who have disabilities, some happened to be epileptic. Many did not have their seizures controlled completely by medications. A few would often have at least one seizure per week. One averaged more than one tonic clonic seizure per day. I have worked with someone who had no history of seizures, yet had two in my presence. I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to take him on his first neurology appointments, including a sleep study, where epilepsy was ultimately diagnosed.

So, I do not come from the same position as most, but I can unequivocally say that when I see a seizure, I do not freak out. There is no reason to do so. My goal then, as it is now with Kill, is to ensure they live the fullest, most rewarding life possible.

I find it very upsetting that people think someone else's life should be restricted because you do not understand a condition, nor do you respect them enough as a person to let them do what they love.

And I'll reiterate, if Kill chooses to step down, or if a coaching change has to be made because the program is not successful, I fully support those decisions. Until then, I support Jerry Kill in doing what he loves - coaching.

I think I understand his condition perfectly and I reiterate he's fine doing many, many more jobs than he can't do. I don't tolerate those that think he can still do the job tell those of us that aren't sure about that we're ignorant or backwards or somehow dumber than you. It's a real issue and question that I as a fan certainly can bring up.

 

[GophersInIowa]

Of course there is a difference. I actually don't believe for a minute GophherinIowa that if you were at a game when this happened you wouldn't be bothered, disturbed or whatever term is appropriate. I recall the first one that happened here Jerry's wife went Ape on the sidelines and had to be forcibly held back while the paramedics helped coach. She was obviously affected. I just couldn't think more how disingenuous it is for anyone to act like its no big deal.

Yes, it affected me after the first one against New Mexico St. two years ago. That is because I didn't know much about the condition. Now that I have informed myself about epilepsy. Yeah it sucked but it wasn't even close to being disturbing.

 

[vagopher]

So his presence on the sideline or even in the stadium is unimportant? This is a major problem moving forward. It is really a gd shame but I don't see this working for long.

It worked out for a couple of decades before. What's changed? I continue to believe that Coach Kill should be judged on how well the Gopher's football program fares under his leadership, not on speculation as to how his seizure disorder may adversely affect his ability to do his job in the future. It would be one thing if there was any evidence that his condition has adversely affected his ability to coach, but the facts are that he has already turned around a couple of programs despite his medical problems. In his three years at Minnesota he seems to have the football program moving in the right direction. Unless and until the program starts to decline - whether that decline is a product of his medical condition or some other failing - I believe he deserves our support.

 

[GophersInIowa]

Do you really think its likely not a true take on his situation or does it just make you feel bad for him or uncomfortable to see it articulated? He has a chance to hold onto this job, but he effectively isn't ever going to be on a BCS teams short list ever again. Sad, not his fault, etc and while I don't know this for sure you and I both know its likely reality.

1. If he turns the Gophers into a very good program, I believe there is a chance. Ultimately it is about wins and losses and if he shows he can deliver here, then who the heck knows.
2. My comment was more about you saying the only reason he even got hired was because Maturi was being a dork. I'm not even sure what they hell that means. By that comment, I'm assuming you didn't like the hiring from the beginning.

 

[hyaluronic]

I think I understand his condition perfectly and I reiterate he's fine doing many, many more jobs than he can't do. I don't tolerate those that think he can still do the job tell those of us that aren't sure about that we're ignorant or backwards or somehow dumber than you. It's a real issue and question that I as a fan certainly can bring up.

The risk of SUDEP is 1.21/1000 patient-years. That's from the study GW was touting earlier. Can epilepsy be fatal? Sure, but it's a lot less deadly than things that you or I do every day. So let the man live.

And you're right - it's a fair question for discussion - by Jerry, his family, his doctors, and the U.

 

[Indi1006]

1. If he turns the Gophers into a very good program, I believe there is a chance. Ultimately it is about wins and losses and if he shows he can deliver here, then who the heck knows.
2. My comment was more about you saying the only reason he even got hired was because Maturi was being a dork. I'm not even sure what they hell that means. By that comment, I'm assuming you didn't like the hiring from the beginning.

I like Kill and think he does everything the right way. I do think that had Maturi not been incompetent he would have hired a higher profile coach and/or his due diligence would have given him pause because of Kills health problems; which are now a legit threat to our program.

 

[Gopher Warrior]

It worked out for a couple of decades before. What's changed.

Well, for one he hadn't missed much game time before last November. Now he has a couple of times. Let's also not forget he's on a different stage now. More stress to be sure. This is a guy who has never won an FBS bowl game.

As Jerry said, "You can't be the head football coach and miss half of a game. I mean, I'm not stupid, I realize that".

But, the story, reasoning and claims continue to "evolve" (i.e., change) to temper rising concerns. I can see how this is all going to play out, though.

 

[Indi1006]

The risk of SUDEP is 1.21/1000 patient-years. That's from the study GW was touting earlier. Can epilepsy be fatal? Sure, but it's a lot less deadly than things that you or I do every day. So let the man live.

And you're right - it's a fair question for discussion - by Jerry, his family, his doctors, and the U.

Complete BS leaving the fans out of the equation. I guess I believe pretty strongly that the coaches, players and administrators ultimately answer to the fans who ultimately make it possible for them to exist.

 

[hyaluronic]

Complete BS leaving the fans out of the equation. I guess I believe pretty strongly that the coaches, players and administrators ultimately answer to the fans who ultimately make it possible for them to exist.

In many cases I would agree, but when it comes to discriminating against someone, I'll draw a moral line in the sand.

 

[Deleted_User]

You panty waists need a good lesson in being human. I am over 51. My lungs are bad. My heart is in not so great shape. My 9 year old daughter, yes nine, wanted to take karate. We are doing it together. It was my choice. I also have a do not use extra ordinary measures to revive me at the hospital as part of my living will. If I die, she will have to deal with it and move on. It is my choice.

Jerry Kill makes his choice. And, you automatons trying to make life perfect for Jerry, or not, can just STFU. Go give your kids a hug, or call them up to say hello, or scratch your cat behind the ear.

On Saturday, I' m going to cheer for my team. If Mr kill is on the sidelines or not, the Rousers words remain the same. If I'm not there, it will be because I bought the farm. If not, my daughters will continue to sing the Rouser for me. They know how I feel about the U. I have not had heart attacks yet and nobody has the right to stop me from doing Karate with my daughter. Nobody.

Everybody is putting their own interests above mr. Kills and the U. When I filled in my life insurance app years ago, they learned I was active and had a history of heart disease. The do not require me to not do karate or to be treated to stay alive. Yet, they underwrote that policy some years ago. You heros can be revived as much as you like. Some of us find death less onerous.

The fact is, Jerry' condition brings out our personal fears. I'm not saying be brave. I'm suggesting you live with you own taboos. Quit looking at his like it is something unique, which it isn't. You are all going to pass some day. Quit acting like you have all the answers. Shoot. Step away from the debate. Let it be.

 

[Halsey Hall]

WOW!!!!
The best to you

You panty waists need a good lesson in being human. I am over 51. My lungs are bad. My heart is in not so great shape. My 9 year old daughter, yes nine, wanted to take karate. We are doing it together. It was my choice. I also have a do not use extra ordinary measures to revive me at the hospital as part of my living will. If I die, she will have to deal with it and move on. It is my choice.

Jerry Kill makes his choice. And, you automatons trying to make life perfect for Jerry, or not, can just STFU. Go give your kids a hug, or call them up to say hello, or scratch your cat behind the ear.

On Saturday, I' m going to cheer for my team. If Mr kill is on the sidelines or not, the Rousers words remain the same. If I'm not there, it will be because I bought the farm. If not, my daughters will continue to sing the Rouser for me. They know how I feel about the U. I have not had heart attacks yet and nobody has the right to stop me from doing Karate with my daughter. Nobody.

Everybody is putting their own interests above mr. Kills and the U. When I filled in my life insurance app years ago, they learned I was active and had a history of heart disease. The do not require me to not do karate or to be treated to stay alive. Yet, they underwrote that policy some years ago. You heros can be revived as much as you like. Some of us find death less onerous.

The fact is, Jerry' condition brings out our personal fears. I'm not saying be brave. I'm suggesting you live with you own taboos. Quit looking at his like it is something unique, which it isn't. You are all going to pass some day. Quit acting like you have all the answers. Shoot. Step away from the debate. Let it be.

 

[Gold Vision]

Well, for one he hadn't missed much game time before last November. Now he has a couple of times. Let's also not forget he's on a different stage now. More stress to be sure. This is a guy who has never won an FBS bowl game.

As Jerry said, "You can't be the head football coach and miss half of a game. I mean, I'm not stupid, I realize that".

But, the story, reasoning and claims continue to "evolve" (i.e., change) to temper rising concerns. I can see how this is all going to play out, though.

Of course you can.

I'm a little surprised you of all people would label a disability as an insurmountable obstacle for a professional.

 

[maxwellsmart]

I think I understand his condition perfectly and I reiterate he's fine doing many, many more jobs than he can't do. I don't tolerate those that think he can still do the job tell those of us that aren't sure about that we're ignorant or backwards or somehow dumber than you. It's a real issue and question that I as a fan certainly can bring up.

The problem for you is that what you write makes you seem ignorant, backwards and dumb. And what you "don't tolerate" is meaningless since you have no way to back up such bluster.

 

[Gopher Warrior]

Of course you can.

I'm a little surprised you of all people would label a disability as an insurmountable obstacle for a professional.

Cute. Let's not make this about me. Surprised you didn't call me a "freak".

Again, I've said this over and over - I am not arguing that "people with epilepsy should not be a head football coach." It's about Jerry Kill specifically. To make a blanketed statement about every person with a difference or "disability" like epilepsy would be wrong. These are individuals and certainly there are many unknowns with epilepsy - you must look at the individual's case.

I believe being the head coach at Minnesota negatively affects his health. If these next two games are close losses and he doesn't miss anymore time during games or the practice week that would be a great sign, but in the past when the Gophers don't win or aren't blown out, he's been knocked out of action.

It's to the point where it's tough to watch. Looking at Kill on the sidelines against Western Illinois he had that look. It was like watching a fighter in the boxing ring about to go down. He's out there swinging, giving it his all, but it's probably just a matter of time before he goes down.

Anything is possible and I really do like the fight in him. It's (partly) inspirational. But I worry most about health and I see his current job as something that really beats him up physically. For those with differences or "disabilities", it can really suck. Feels unfair. And sometimes we alter course in ours lives because of it. But if you can help your health, I think you try to do that especially if you have family and people who rely on you. If you have even decent health and something to eat everyday, you're doing pretty damn well compared to so many who are less fortunate in this world.

I'm OK with it if Minnesota wants to say, "we're going to work through when he's unable to perform his job duties. It's happened before, it's probably going to happen again, we'll work through it." Wouldn't be my way to handle it, but I accept that and could respect that.

What is upsetting to me is the defiance, the changing messages and the boatload of b.s. that has come with this. The minimization of a serious disease that is obviously an issue in this man's life.

 

[Maximus]

Cute. Let's not make this about me.

As he uses I/me 13 times in talking about Coach Kill.

 

[panolo]

The first time Coach had a seizure on the sidelines I was disturbed and frightened. My feelings came more from fear and concern for him than anything else. I was afraid we lost a good coach and great person right in the midst of what could be considered an insignificant competition if Coach was dying.

I knew Coach had beaten cancer. I had zero knowledge that he was an epileptic. To me at that point epilepsy was the grim reaper and it was coming to take Coach and strike a blow on our football squad. I was worried that we were doomed and Coach would never be on the sidelines again.

I set out to find info on epilepsy and the health concerns that come with it. In a short time I knew more about epilepsy and the health risks or concerns that come with it. I knew some of the successful people who deal with it on a daily basis. I learned just how large this affliction is and how many people it affects.

When I sit in the stands or watch a game on the TV and Coach has a seizure I'm no longer disturbed. Concerned yes, but I don't have the emptiness that gripped me the first time Coach was on the ground writhing around seizure stricken.

As a fan I couldn't be more proud of how our players, assistant coaches, and other members of the team handled this situation last Saturday. You can tell they are educated and aware. They understand. I also couldn't be more proud of what Coach for what he has gone through and what he has done to further programs for epilepsy and cancer.

Coach Kill deserves our support and I believe that he will not jeopardize his health and safety. I trust him to make the right decisions because he is not just a football coach. I feel without uncertainty that Coach will tell us when enough is enough because his family means too much to him.

In Kill I trust.

 

[lexicalNinja]

Rage away. Having a ten minute seizure during the course of a game is disruptive obviously and disturbing. It's disturbing to me, it's disturbing to you, it's disturbing to everyone there. Whether the leader of our football team who goes down like that on a regular basis is an issue is not up for debate; it's an issue. If it makes you guys feel better to pretend otherwise knock yourselves out and rage away. The program exists to serve the fans and are well served now? I don't know but there are valid reasons to question whether we are.

Sounds good. Tell the guy in the wheelchair up front that I don't like to see cripples and the kids with cancer on the TV. It disturbs me that they have those medical conditions. Because they have to serve me, and all.

The program is not to serve you. It makes money for the athletic dept and provides scholarships to its athletes. Just because you can't handle someone having X symptom of Y malady does not mean you have a right to demand it be pushed out of sight or that the person should quit what they do. This is the crux of youyr argument and it is small minded and frankly a cop out because you think that something is icky or makes you feel uncomfortable.

You want to talk about Jerry missing part of the game and discuss whether or not the seizures are affecting his ability to win games and help his players graduate and become members of society, I am all for that discussion. But that isn't the argument being made by most people and being uncomfortable isn't a valid reason to consider these things. If we have academic issues or we don't m to get over the hump in the conference this year, then I think we can talk about his performance in the off season, but until then, unless we see it negatively affecting the wins and losses of the program in a serious way, its all just a bunch of people afraid to face the truth that even coaches are human and that sometimes, the people we like go through things that we don't want to see. This time you have the option not to look if you don't like it.

 

[everybody knows my name]

I only read through page 3 of this thread. I can't stand it, I can't read any farther.

The only things that matter to me:

* Coach is healthy
* Team is succeeding

All indications are that Coach Kill is healthy. Epilepsy isn't a sign of ill health; it's just a medical condition that he has to live with. Incidentally, he's safer having a seizure on the field than in a box surrounded by furniture. And let me say, I don't need to know every time he has a seizure. I don't get nervous every time he turns up with a bump on his head or a scrape on his arm. The team is visibly improved over last year and over the year before. Half of the kids on the team signed up knowing that coach has seizures, and not caring because they want to be coached by a winner. His assistants are loyal to him. All is well.

 

[Iceland12]

I only read through page 3 of this thread. I can't stand it, I can't read any farther.

The only things that matter to me:

* Coach is healthy
* Team is succeeding

All indications are that Coach Kill is healthy. Epilepsy isn't a sign of ill health; it's just a medical condition that he has to live with. Incidentally, he's safer having a seizure on the field than in a box surrounded by furniture. And let me say, I don't need to know every time he has a seizure. I don't get nervous every time he turns up with a bump on his head or a scrape on his arm. The team is visibly improved over last year and over the year before. Half of the kids on the team signed up knowing that coach has seizures, and not caring because they want to be coached by a winner. His assistants are loyal to him. All is well.

Never, ever thought about that. It's true isn't it? The focus has been about trying to take some of the stress away be moving him, Paterno like, into the booth. Also to lessen the, very understandable, worry that people in the stands have for Kill when they see him go into seizures on the sidelines. If they can't see it, the crowd won't be so concerned.

Your point brings out the irony in that. The move might not make it safer for him, quite the contrary, confined space plus furniture may make it more hazardous.

Thanks everybody knows.

 

[GophersInIowa]

Complete BS leaving the fans out of the equation. I guess I believe pretty strongly that the coaches, players and administrators ultimately answer to the fans who ultimately make it possible for them to exist.

The consumer makes millions of things in this world exist. Does that mean that we should be able to decide who the next CEO of a certain company is?

 

[jaymil]

No, he doesn't speak to the issue at all.

And it's not a question about those with epilepsy in general. It's not simply an issue of "what may happen". It's about Jerry Kill's health specifically and what has happened. We have a history to look at.

If a CEO repeatedly had seizures during earnings calls or meeting with investors, something would change.

Not with Jerry, though. He ain't changing. And according to him, it's not up to his wife or his doctors. He doesn't want to hear it.

How many times do I have to call you out for using outdated quotes from Kill? Are you going to respond at all? Kill said those things two years ago. Fact is, he HAS changed his lifestyle. He's changed his exercise regimen, his diet, and has backed off on some responsibilities.

 

[mnsports1]

How many times do I have to call you out for using outdated quotes from Kill? Are you going to respond at all? Kill said those things two years ago. Fact is, he HAS changed his lifestyle. He's changed his exercise regimen, his diet, and has backed off on some responsibilities.

I'd say there is a 2% chance he responds to your points.

 

[Formo]

Complete BS leaving the fans out of the equation. I guess I believe pretty strongly that the coaches, players and administrators ultimately answer to the fans who ultimately make it possible for them to exist.

I like Kill and think he does everything the right way. I do think that had Maturi not been incompetent he would have hired a higher profile coach and/or his due diligence would have given him pause because of Kills health problems; which are now a legit threat to our program.

I think I understand his condition perfectly and I reiterate he's fine doing many, many more jobs than he can't do. I don't tolerate those that think he can still do the job tell those of us that aren't sure about that we're ignorant or backwards or somehow dumber than you. It's a real issue and question that I as a fan certainly can bring up.

Do you really think its likely not a true take on his situation or does it just make you feel bad for him or uncomfortable to see it articulated? He has a chance to hold onto this job, but he effectively isn't ever going to be on a BCS teams short list ever again. Sad, not his fault, etc and while I don't know this for sure you and I both know its likely reality.

Of course there is a difference. I actually don't believe for a minute GophherinIowa that if you were at a game when this happened you wouldn't be bothered, disturbed or whatever term is appropriate. I recall the first one that happened here Jerry's wife went Ape on the sidelines and had to be forcibly held back while the paramedics helped coach. She was obviously affected. I just couldn't think more how disingenuous it is for anyone to act like its no big deal.

All I see here is a bigoted ignoramus. You are asking the absolutely WRONG questions with the absolutely WRONG mindset. And a ton of blatant falsities. And clearly you have not informed yourself of epilepsy, because you wouldn't be trumpeting how we think it isn't a 'big deal' and instead understand seizures come with the territory and there are plans in place for if and when they happen.

Oh, but the fans. Who thinks about the fans?!?!?

I hope I never meet you in person.

 

[Gopher Warrior]

How many times do I have to call you out for using outdated quotes from Kill? Are you going to respond at all? Kill said those things two years ago. Fact is, he HAS changed his lifestyle. He's changed his exercise regimen, his diet, and has backed off on some responsibilities.

Outdated? It's reflective of his attitude and personality. What coaching duties has he backed off on? How has he changed? The concern isn't him showing up at a boring administrative meeting with Norwood. That's not where the stress is. He ain't changin (except for less fundraising effort.. eeek).

But Teague said Monday the Gophers did indeed take some things off Kill's plate, because "if you let Jerry take everything, he'll take everything."

Teague did not give examples, but Gophers associate AD Chris Werle said Kill's staff members sometimes have replaced Kill at athletic department administrative meetings, Gophers caravan speaking engagements and offseason fundraising events.

 

[jaymil]

Outdated? It's reflective of his attitude and personality. What coaching duties has he backed off on? How has he changed? The concern isn't him showing up at a boring administrative meeting with Norwood. That's not where the stress is. He ain't changin (except for less fundraising effort.. eeek).

Yes, your reference is outdated because Kill is quoted as saying "I'm not changin'", when in fact he HAS made lifestyle changes since that press conference. Obviously I realize Kill is a hard-headed guy, but he has realized some things needed to change and has made changes.

I'm sure Teague, Jerry, and Rebecca are still exploring options to see what other changes can be made. Just because he had a seizure on Saturday doesn't mean it's because Jerry is too hard-headed and refused to change anything, which is what you're implying.

 

[GopherHomer]

Outdated? It's reflective of his attitude and personality. What coaching duties has he backed off on? How has he changed? The concern isn't him showing up at a boring administrative meeting with Norwood. That's not where the stress is. He ain't changin (except for less fundraising effort.. eeek).

I can't believe we pay you to be here and annoy us...

 

[highwayman]

I only read through page 3 of this thread. I can't stand it, I can't read any farther.

The only things that matter to me:

* Coach is healthy
* Team is succeeding

All indications are that Coach Kill is healthy. Epilepsy isn't a sign of ill health; it's just a medical condition that he has to live with. Incidentally, he's safer having a seizure on the field than in a box surrounded by furniture. And let me say, I don't need to know every time he has a seizure. I don't get nervous every time he turns up with a bump on his head or a scrape on his arm. The team is visibly improved over last year and over the year before. Half of the kids on the team signed up knowing that coach has seizures, and not caring because they want to be coached by a winner. His assistants are loyal to him. All is well.

EKMN--you and I have not always agreed on things, but wow. This might be your best post ever. The only better place to have a seizure would be at the Mayo Clinic...

 

[Jike Spingleton]

Just now at the presser:

"Would you ever consider coaching from the press box?"

"No."