CBS' Gregg Doyel: Gophers' Jerry Kill wants to coach -- should it be his call?

[BleedGopher]

per Doyel's national column:

This is a problem, and a heartbreaking problem at that. You think this is me, coldly and unsympathetically wondering if Jerry Kill should resign? Don't think that. This is me feeling terrible for a man who has devoted much of his life to football, and who reached the pinnacle of his profession in 2011 when he made it into the Big Ten as a head coach -- and who is doing a great job. At Minnesota his teams have gone 3-9, then 6-7, and now 3-0 early in 2013.

Of course Jerry Kill doesn't want to resign. He wants to keep using his platform to raise money for low-income cancer patients, and to keep using his platform to raise awareness about epilepsy. He's a spokesman at the state and national levels, and he and his wife, Rebecca, are acting as hosts for a second annual epilepsy awareness game Oct. 26 vs. Nebraska.

Kill is doing good work for Minnesota football, and for epilepsy patients, and I'm thinking about that as I write this.

But I'm also thinking about everyone else in the stadium the next time Kill has a seizure during a game, whether it's at home or on the road. People die from epileptic seizures. It's called Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP), and according to EpilepsyFoundation.org it happens to about one in 1,000 epilepsy sufferers per year. But the odds go way up for people who, like Kill, have more frequent seizures -- as high as one in 150 people.

Could Jerry Kill be that one in 150? Gosh I hope not. You hope nobody dies from epilepsy ever again, but denial doesn't do any good. People really do die every year from epileptic seizures, and Jerry Kill really does have multiple seizures every year, and his seizures really do seem to be increasing in frequency, exacerbated by the stress of coaching a Big Ten football team on game day.

That's Jerry Kill's job. But should it be? I'm not asking for him. Apparently he's decided what's best for him, and that's his right.

But what about what's best for everyone else?

Who gets to make that decision?

http://www.cbssports.com/general/wr...rry-kill-wants-to-coach-should-it-be-his-call

Go Gophers!!

 

[Sparlimb]

Well due to workplace laws in this country, we can't fire him. This is a personal decision between Kill and his doctors. If they tell him being a football coach doesn't make him any more likely to have a seizure, then he should keep coaching. If it does, then him and his wife need to make the decision as for what's best for them. Frankly, it's none of anyone else's business...

 

[I Support Jerry's Kids]

I don't even get his point. If old men with high blood pressure and a history of heart problems - - if not previous heart attacks - - can coach under stressful conditions, why not Jerry? If we fear seeing someone die, just because someone else might see it, why are we allowing such a violent sport like football or auto racing or MMA, etc. etc.

This makes no sense at all.

 

[cncmin]

Well due to workplace laws in this country, we can't fire him. This is a personal decision between Kill and his doctors. If they tell him being a football coach doesn't make him any more likely to have a seizure, then he should keep coaching. If it does, then him and his wife need to make the decision as for what's best for them. Frankly, it's none of anyone else's business...

Exactly. If this is what he wants to do, who is anyone else to tell him how to live his life?

The rest of the world would be much better off if Doyle would quit his job at CBS, as he's terrible at his job. Yet, that doesn't mean he should quit.

 

[Indi1006]

Well due to workplace laws in this country, we can't fire him. This is a personal decision between Kill and his doctors. If they tell him being a football coach doesn't make him any more likely to have a seizure, then he should keep coaching. If it does, then him and his wife need to make the decision as for what's best for them. Frankly, it's none of anyone else's business...

That's nonsense. If they decide he can't do the job hired they can fire him. Now, he can then sue but it wouldn't be a slam dunk that he'd win. It would be a hassle and PR nightmare but they can fire him and move on.

 

[Sparlimb]

That's nonsense. If they decide he can't do the job hired they can fire him. Now, he can then sue but it wouldn't be a slam dunk that he'd win. It would be a hassle and PR nightmare but they can fire him and move on.

They can't fire him and say it's medically related. That would open up a huge can of worms. They could however pay him whatever the payout is on his contract. Since they always have that option.

 

[JMWZ]

They can't fire him and say it's medically related. That would open up a huge can of worms. They could however pay him whatever the payout is on his contract. Since they always have that option.

They can fire him if its medically related. It's very complicated, but a disabled person must prove that they can perform their job with reasonable accommodation. And I think that this isn't possible for Kill to prove.

But I really want people to stop talking about this. I really like Kill and think he's an incredible coach and man. It would break my heart if he left. Threads like this aren't helping matters, and just seem to be created to stir up problems.

 

[Deleted_User]

They can fire him if its medically related. It's very complicated, but a disabled person must prove that they can perform their job with reasonable accommodation. And I think that this isn't possible for Kill to prove.

But I really want people to stop talking about this. I really like Kill and think he's an incredible coach and man. It would break my heart if he left. Threads like this aren't helping matters, and just seem to be created to stir up problems.

You are spot on. I think all this negative talk about our coach has one goal and only one goal in mind, to degrade our University, the team, and is an attempt to dissuade future players from signing on. Jerry Kill led teams are well prepared as players, collegians and as men. What is not to admire about his leadership? Jerry Kill does not need any disability consideration. He has the job and he should keep it. Bill Miller is capable of stepping in, or Claeys, whomever...

What you say is correct, but I don't think there is even a speculative chance that the AD will fire Jerry Kill. There just doesn't seem to be a good reason to do so.

 

[minibeaver]

"But what about what's best for everyone else?"


What the hell does that even mean?

Seriously? He's afraid people will would have to witness seizures on the side lines or- in an extremely rare case- death? Gruesome injuries happen almost every week in football. I really don't understand this line of thinking.

 

[Indi1006]

You are spot on. I think all this negative talk about our coach has one goal and only one goal in mind, to degrade our University, the team, and is an attempt to dissuade future players from signing on. Jerry Kill led teams are well prepared as players, collegians and as men. What is not to admire about his leadership? Jerry Kill does not need any disability consideration. He has the job and he should keep it. Bill Miller is capable of stepping in, or Claeys, whomever...

What you say is correct, but I don't think there is even a speculative chance that the AD will fire Jerry Kill. There just doesn't seem to be a good reason to do so.

Head in sand. I don't know what the right thing to do us here but this is head in sand.

 

[wait!what?]

Head in sand. I don't know what the right thing to do us here but this is head in sand.

a long time ago MN upset the universe football powers. we are the Ziggy of football.

 

[Mick Turition]

This Doyle is a twit. Hope everyone stays off the highways 'cause you wouldn't want to see an accident. Someone might even die.

 

[RodentRampage]

He doesn't have "frequent seizures". These terms have meaning, they don't mean whatever you feel like them meaning. There are people who have many seizures every single day, that's what is meant by frequent seizures.

 

[Governor Sibley]

He has a point.

This is an immaterial, side issue--but I can't see how anybody else would now hire Kill. Unless his health changes, this will be his last job.

 

[MNGoldenGophers1]

I wish this would stop.

 

[howieramone]

I wish this would stop.

+1

 

[Gopherpride13]

I wish this would stop.

Same.

 

[Gopher Warrior]

Kill can be fired and the U shouldn't have an issue re: ADA.

If they fired him and gave the reason of, "he can't drive" then you may have an issue. However, accommodations have been made there.

 

[Tater]

Thank you Gregg Doyle (and Souhan) for pointing out how handicapped Jerry Kill and others facing extra life challenges are. These types of people should really know their place. They need to be told more often by regularly published local and national scribes such as yourselves how imperative it is for them to just relax, be content, and for god's sakes don't ever attempt to reach for the stars in life because you just might hurt yourself and those watching you.

I mean, Doyle and Souhan you do a great job of describing how Kill and others like him just can't measure up to the rest of us "normal" people. Kill can't perform his job, right Souhan? You know, he's already proven to be more of a failure than his predecessor coaches! We're losing at a rate we haven't seen since.... who knows? Save him from himself. If only Kill and others like him would just stay home and be content, right Doyle and Souhan?

In case it is not clear from the above, my post is meant to be sarcastic. Doyle and Souhan wrote utter garbage in their articles.

 

[hyaluronic]

I don't know where to begin...

Are epileptics supposed to stay in their homes at all times, in case they may be the one and a thousand that die per year? Sure, Kill's seizures may place him in the 1 in 150 category. Should he be forced to not chase his dreams so everyone else can be 'saved' from having to watch an epileptic episode? What a joke.

I normally do not get too peeved at the media. Sometimes I feel our local media is a bit too critical of local teams, but hey, it is fair game for criticism even if I do not like it. However, Souhan and Doyel are completely out of line. I hope they get plenty of backlash. I would not mind repercussions, but really all I hope is that it turns into a big learning experience for them. They are essentially promoting discrimination because of a medical condition. If Jerry does not succeed, then we should discuss moving forward without him. His epilepsy is not a reason to do so.

 

[everybody knows my name]

I'm not ashamed of coach Kill's seizures and I'm not afraid of what they mean for the program. I'm proud of the Gophers for the improvements that they've already made, and I'm optimistic about the future. Coach has my unwavering support.

 

[ncgo4]

I'm a Minnesota raised bleeding heart liberal. As such I believe Jerry Kill is an amazing spokesman for the University and has done great work for Epilepsy in America. However, the University is not paying him to do that. We are paying him to recruit, coach and win football games. He has now had 3 (I read today) game time seizures in, what, less than thirty games.

I don't know what the answer is, but the discussion needs to take place and it is going to take place in public. It's ironic, I suppose, that part of what Jerry Kill has recently stood for is to take the veil off of this disease. Well the veil is now off.

I wish Coach Kill all the best and hope he and the U make the best decision for him and his family. I can't recommend what that decision should be. It is not, however, no longer possible to pretend that the discussion doesn't need to take place. And in part it will and should take place publicly.

 

[matt]

I don't know where to begin...

Are epileptics supposed to stay in their homes at all times, in case they may be the one and a thousand that die per year? Sure, Kill's seizures may place him in the 1 in 150 category. Should he be forced to not chase his dreams so everyone else can be 'saved' from having to watch an epileptic episode? What a joke.

I normally do not get too peeved at the media. Sometimes I feel our local media is a bit too critical of local teams, but hey, it is fair game for criticism even if I do not like it. However, Souhan and Doyel are completely out of line. I hope they get plenty of backlash. I would not mind repercussions, but really all I hope is that it turns into a big learning experience for them. They are essentially promoting discrimination because of a medical condition. If Jerry does not succeed, then we should discuss moving forward without him. His epilepsy is not a reason to do so.

+10000000

 

[scher215]

IMO people seem to not realize how medical discrimination is allowed in sports. Should the Timberwolves not be allowed to cut Brandon Roy because his knees are awful? Should the Patriots not be allowed to cut Tom Brady if he loses his hand?

Sports are about one thing, can you perform your job at a winning level? (And at some points, that isn't even the criteria i.e. removing an older player/coach for a younger one, even though the older is more talented - age discrimination!)

If seizures begin to compromise Jerry Kill's ability to do his job (such as missing games) the U has every right to make a move if they see fit.

Not saying they SHOULD or NEED to do this, but it certainly isn't illegal nor is it discrimination.

 

[scher215]

I'm a Minnesota raised bleeding heart liberal. As such I believe Jerry Kill is an amazing spokesman for the University and has done great work for Epilepsy in America. However, the University is not paying him to do that. We are paying him to recruit, coach and win football games. He has now had 3 (I read today) game time seizures in, what, less than thirty games.

I don't know what the answer is, but the discussion needs to take place and it is going to take place in public. It's ironic, I suppose, that part of what Jerry Kill has recently stood for is to take the veil off of this disease. Well the veil is now off.

I wish Coach Kill all the best and hope he and the U make the best decision for him and his family. I can't recommend what that decision should be. It is not, however, no longer possible to pretend that the discussion doesn't need to take place. And in part it will and should take place publicly.

Agreed, well said.

 

[scher215]

I don't know where to begin...

Are epileptics supposed to stay in their homes at all times, in case they may be the one and a thousand that die per year? Sure, Kill's seizures may place him in the 1 in 150 category. Should he be forced to not chase his dreams so everyone else can be 'saved' from having to watch an epileptic episode? What a joke.

I normally do not get too peeved at the media. Sometimes I feel our local media is a bit too critical of local teams, but hey, it is fair game for criticism even if I do not like it. However, Souhan and Doyel are completely out of line. I hope they get plenty of backlash. I would not mind repercussions, but really all I hope is that it turns into a big learning experience for them. They are essentially promoting discrimination because of a medical condition. If Jerry does not succeed, then we should discuss moving forward without him. His epilepsy is not a reason to do so.

I don't think that is what he is saying - Take someone who has had multiple lung problems caused by smoking. That person should probably not be smoking anymore. If eating McDonalds has caused multiple heart problems - maybe continuing to eat McDonalds isn't a bright choice.

If coaching a Big10 football team is truly causing you to have seizures, I think you have to ask the question if coaching a Big10 football team is something you should continue doing.

IMO, it is a fair question and one only Kill and the University can decide.

 

[Governor Sibley]

Agreed with ncgo4.

I wonder if Jerry will still be our coach two years from now.

For the record: I sure hope he is!

 

[tato2001]

I don't agree with the people that think this is a non-issue. I think it is something that could very well affect Kill's ability to remain coach. That said, we certainly aren't going to fire him because he has epilepsy (at least not in the short term. It would have to become clear over and over that it is impacting the direction of the program. The whole 'his condition does not allow him to do his job' angle). So I've considered the following:

1) We now have a data point that indicates the team and the fans are normalizing this. The team clearly played BETTER in the second half and after WIU's score early in the second half, they dominated the game. The fans didn't freak out, the stadium staff didn't freak out, the band didn't freak out. The students chanted 'Jerry'. Contrast that with the awful atmosphere that permeated the stadium after the incident at the NMSU game. Never want to be part of that again, and based on yesterday, I don't think that's a concern anymore.

2) I think some accommodations can be made. Not sure if it's the booth, or what, but when we hired Kill we bought into his philosophy, which includes the longest tenured coaching staff. It's a package deal here, really. The staff knows him, his condition, and what to do. It's very possible Kill's whole organization is constructed in part because of their cohesiveness in situations like this that they KNOW will occur. Since we bought them all part and parcel, it would be stupid to quit on it before it clearly doesn't work.

3) While I have my doubts, I'm starting to get pissed at the media. Souhan's article was beyond the pale. Someday when he is old he will regret having written that. He should be canned for writing it. He goes way beyond asking responsible media questions and reaches conclusions that are offensive. Even in an opinion column that is inappropriate.

So basically, we're here, with a situation we would not like but there's no alternative that clearly improves it in the short term, so it's time to make lemonade out of lemons. If the team continues to improve, this is potentially a great story. If not, well, we'll deal with it given the benefit of time and more results to evaluate. We simply gotta go with that and support Kill like there is no tomorrow. Chant his name, and all the rest. If there ever was such a thing as a Gopher Nation (...errr, county?), now is the time to circle the wagons.

 

[BarnBoy]

I don't agree with the people that think this is a non-issue. I think it is something that could very well affect Kill's ability to remain coach. That said, we certainly aren't going to fire him because he has epilepsy (at least not in the short term. It would have to become clear over and over that it is impacting the direction of the program. The whole 'his condition does not allow him to do his job' angle). So I've considered the following:

1) We now have a data point that indicates the team and the fans are normalizing this. The team clearly played BETTER in the second half and after WIU's score early in the second half, they dominated the game. The fans didn't freak out, the stadium staff didn't freak out, the band didn't freak out. The students chanted 'Jerry'. Contrast that with the awful atmosphere that permeated the stadium after the incident at the NMSU game. Never want to be part of that again, and based on yesterday, I don't think that's a concern anymore.

2) I think some accommodations can be made. Not sure if it's the booth, or what, but when we hired Kill we bought into his philosophy, which includes the longest tenured coaching staff. It's a package deal here, really. The staff knows him, his condition, and what to do. It's very possible Kill's whole organization is constructed in part because of their cohesiveness in situations like this that they KNOW will occur. Since we bought them all part and parcel, it would be stupid to quit on it before it clearly doesn't work.

3) While I have my doubts, I'm starting to get pissed at the media. Souhan's article was beyond the pale. Someday when he is old he will regret having written that. He should be canned for writing it. He goes way beyond asking responsible media questions and reaches conclusions that are offensive. Even in an opinion column that is inappropriate.

So basically, we're here, with a situation we would not like but there's no alternative that clearly improves it in the short term, so it's time to make lemonade out of lemons. If the team continues to improve, this is potentially a great story. If not, well, we'll deal with it given the benefit of time and more results to evaluate. We simply gotta go with that and support Kill like there is no tomorrow. Chant his name, and all the rest. If there ever was such a thing as a Gopher Nation (...errr, county?), now is the time to circle the wagons.

These are my feelings exactly. Great post.

 

[Coolew01]

I'm not ashamed of coach Kill's seizures and I'm not afraid of what they mean for the program. I'm proud of the Gophers for the improvements that they've already made, and I'm optimistic about the future. Coach has my unwavering support.

Agree 100%