Phil Mackey: Some uncomfortable questions need to be asked regarding Jerry Kill

[BleedGopher]

per Mackey:

How do Kill's seizures affect recruiting? We'd be fools to think there aren't assistants at competing schools whispering about Kill's health issues to potential recruits. Mudslinging happens in recruiting, just like in politics. Hell, imagine if a state governor suffered epileptic seizures in public forums - say, in a televised debate. Even though the seizures might not be life-threatening, they could (and probably would) certainly affect voters' decisions. For what it's worth, U of M commit Gaelic Elmore tweeted Saturday, "Still love Coach Kill! Can't wait to play for him. Great coach. Even better person." Of course, it's unlikely any recruits would tweet anything negative.

Should Kill's role be adjusted? I think what I would propose is this (and I say "I think" because this is not a black-and-white issue): Have Kill coach from the booth. I'm certainly not a doctor, but common sense says the stress level would likely go down, as he wouldn't be stuck in the middle of all the hustle and bustle on the sideline. That seems like a fair proposition. If that doesn't work - and if the U of M still deems him the man they want running the program -- maybe there's a way he can oversee the football program while somebody else operates the game-day coaching duties (see: Joe Paterno).

http://www.1500espn.com/sportswire/...s_need_to_be_asked_regarding_Jerry_Kill091413

Go Gophers!!

 

[GoldenUMNGopher]

Why is it everyone outside of Gopherhole seems to be asking this question? You can also put Gregg Doyel from CBS Sports too in this bucket. Fans need take off your homer hats, take a step back for a minute and look at it from an unbiased point of view for once! Its almost that time where some sort of a change needs to happen.

 

[husker70]

Maybe some need to have know someone with Epilepsy. These reports are knee jerks expressing how uncomfortable they are around it. How someone with Epilepsy cannot function. None have Medical degrees. And none have studied the disease. Relax. Lets here from his Doctor, or from Coach Kill.

 

[jags1998]

I will say this for Mackey, his take on this has improved since the last time Kill had a seizure and he completely overreacted. Yes, I think it's reasonable to ask questions and i bet Kill himself would agree. What I don't care for is untrained people offering solutions. Should he be in the box? How the heck should we know? Would that lower his stress? Do we know that stress is even what's causing this? None of us know .... Leave that to the trained medical people.

 

[MNVCGUY]

Why is it everyone outside of Gopherhole seems to be asking this question? You can also put Gregg Doyel from CBS Sports too in this bucket. Fans need take off your homer hats, take a step back for a minute and look at it from an unbiased point of view for once! Its almost that time where some sort of a change needs to happen.

I agree with you but that kind of thinking won't fly around here. If you ask any of these questions you instantly become labeled as a Gopher/Kill hater who also hates anyone with epilepsy and wants to see them all locked in a dark cage segregated from the rest of the population.

Kill himself has stated that him not being at the game is a big deal. The decision to step down based on health reasons would have to be made by Kill and his family but at some point here that has to enter into the discussion. He knows as a division 1 head coach making over a million a year he has to be in a position to lead the team for the entire game 12-13 times a year. If his disorder is going to prevent him from doing that, he would be the first to admit that something will have to change.

Understand the U of M will not and should not fire Kill based on his epilepsy, but if he his health issues continue to prevent him being available for the most vital portion of his job duties, leading the team on gameday, something will have to give at some point. Don't necessarily think we are there quite yet but if he suffers additional gameday issues this season we could quickly hit a tipping point for the program.

 

[Blackhammer]

Maybe some need to have know someone with Epilepsy. These reports are knee jerks expressing how uncomfortable they are around it. How someone with Epilepsy cannot function. None have Medical degrees. And none have studied the disease. Relax. Lets here from his Doctor, or from Coach Kill.

+2 People and the media are uncomfortable with it. Watching the reports on it from a local tv station. They show a video of the field you can't see a thing and then try to highlight where they carting Coach Kill out. The media wants to make a huge deal about it. A prejudice and stigma about epilepsy is present that people should be ashamed of. No one says the word fired but that is what the media and fans are actually saying should happen but in a backhanded way.

 

[SonOfTheVarsity]

Phil Mackey: Common Sense Epileptologist.

 

[SamSquatch]

Saying Kill's health problems are a concern doesn't mean the person doesn't understand Epilepsy. Epilepsy is a fairly common medical issue. Many of us can speak to first-hand experiences. A close friend, and former college roommate of mine, lives with it. I've seen the seizures. They're not a big deal to us and we deal with it.

But to say that someone can function in the same capacity with the condition is false, especially when it is occurring as often as it has with coach Kill. Not being on the sideline for the game means he's not functioning the same. Missing practices (as happened after his first attack), media pressers, player/recruit meetings, etc., means he's not functioning the same.

This isn't an issue of people not understanding Epilepsy or seizures. That's a false stance. People understand it and are taking that into consideration when making their opinions.

I hope Kill remains our coach, and I hope that we see improved play from our squad against SJSU and the B1G. I do have concerns that his attacks could have an adverse effect on our football program.

 

[eker0016]

per Mackey:

How do Kill's seizures affect recruiting? We'd be fools to think there aren't assistants at competing schools whispering about Kill's health issues to potential recruits. Mudslinging happens in recruiting, just like in politics. Hell, imagine if a state governor suffered epileptic seizures in public forums - say, in a televised debate. Even though the seizures might not be life-threatening, they could (and probably would) certainly affect voters' decisions. For what it's worth, U of M commit Gaelic Elmore tweeted Saturday, "Still love Coach Kill! Can't wait to play for him. Great coach. Even better person." Of course, it's unlikely any recruits would tweet anything negative.

Should Kill's role be adjusted? I think what I would propose is this (and I say "I think" because this is not a black-and-white issue): Have Kill coach from the booth. I'm certainly not a doctor, but common sense says the stress level would likely go down, as he wouldn't be stuck in the middle of all the hustle and bustle on the sideline. That seems like a fair proposition. If that doesn't work - and if the U of M still deems him the man they want running the program -- maybe there's a way he can oversee the football program while somebody else operates the game-day coaching duties (see: Joe Paterno).

http://www.1500espn.com/sportswire/...s_need_to_be_asked_regarding_Jerry_Kill091413

Go Gophers!!

I wonder if Gaelic Elmore is connected to Gaelic Storm?

I'd like to hear from Jerry on the issue. I think if nothing else, it is a good opportunity to destigmatize epilepsy and help people understand what we know about it.

 

[tikited]

Saying Kill's health problems are a concern doesn't mean the person doesn't understand Epilepsy. Epilepsy is a fairly common medical issue. Many of us can speak to first-hand experiences. A close friend, and former college roommate of mine, lives with it. I've seen the seizures. They're not a big deal to us and we deal with it.

But to say that someone can function in the same capacity with the condition is false, especially when it is occurring as often as it has with coach Kill. Not being on the sideline for the game means he's not functioning the same. Missing practices (as happened after his first attack), media pressers, player/recruit meetings, etc., means he's not functioning the same.

This isn't an issue of people not understanding Epilepsy or seizures. That's a false stance. People understand it and are taking that into consideration when making their opinions.

I hope Kill remains our coach, and I hope that we see improved play from our squad against SJSU and the B1G. I do have concerns that his attacks could have an adverse effect on our football program.

100% reasonable stance. Much better than calling people morons when concerns are voiced.

 

[husker70]

+2 People and the media are uncomfortable with it. Watching the reports on it from a local tv station. They show a video of the field you can't see a thing and then try to highlight where they carting Coach Kill out. The media wants to make a huge deal about it. A prejudice and stigma about epilepsy is present that people should be ashamed of. No one says the word fired but that is what the media and fans are actually saying should happen but in a backhanded way.

It is prejudice and stigma bordering on bigotry and certainly ignorance. But that is journalism today. And if they are implying that he either should step down or be fired for it, that takes this intolerance to fear mongering. It should not be tolerated by the public, the management of the media, or anyone.

 

[scools12]

100% reasonable stance. Much better than calling people morons when concerns are voiced.

and a whole lot better than the "you're a Gopher and Kill hater" if you take opposite stance of the non-issue crowd.

 

[scher215]

It is prejudice and stigma bordering on bigotry and certainly ignorance. But that is journalism today. And if they are implying that he either should step down or be fired for it, that takes this intolerance to fear mongering. It should not be tolerated by the public, the management of the media, or anyone.

It isn't the U or people or the media saying, he has epilepsy - FIRE HIM!!!!

You just have to wonder how coaching impacts his seizures and how those seizures impact his personal health and his ability to to the job he is paid to do.

 

[mplsbadger]

Joe Paterno and Bobby Bowden "coached" into their eighties. Does anyone really think they were providing as much direction as Jerry Kill would be if he only worked with his team and his staff M-F? I promise you he'd be contributing twice as much as those guys were. The team is coached by a coaching staff, not one guy. If they have a plan in place and it works (they out scored their opponent by more points in the second half than the first) then I say let the guy keep coaching.

 

[GophersInIowa]

and a whole lot better than the "you're a Gopher and Kill hater" if you take opposite stance of the non-issue crowd.

I haven't seen any of this. Some people have said others are being ridiculous and stuff like that but for the most part, that has been the extent of it.

I don't believe he should coach from the press box because I believe that essentially takes away his ability to lead. I'd rather he be on the field for 12 1/2 games a year than 0.

It's a tough issue and everyone is going to have their opinions. The fact is no one here or in the media know what is best for him, if it truly affects recruiting, and how much it affects his ability to do his job. As far as I'm concerned it is all up to Kill and his family, his doctors, the athletic dept. and the players. There are a lot of presumptions going on from all of us.

 

[CP Gopher]

Another radio host with no more knowledge than some guy sitting at the local bar.

 

[imthewalrus]

I am a firm believer in the POWER of the Coaching Staff Theory and I also...

It isn't the U or people or the media saying, he has epilepsy - FIRE HIM!!!!

You just have to wonder how coaching impacts his seizures and how those seizures impact his personal health and his ability to to the job he is paid to do.

believe that the results at the END of the season will tell us exactly how this 2013 season fared compared to the Kill Coaching Staff's two previous seasons here at Minnesota. IF the general trend is holding steady to positive, ALL is well with the Kill Coaching Staff. The critical point in the season is fast approaching. There is one last ooc game that the Kill Coaching Staff must prepare the players for. As of September 15, 2013: there are six days of preparation before that contest. The Kill Staff needs to prepare the players in such a manner that they are ready to WIN that final ooc contest to move into Conference play with ONLY the results of the 8 Conference having impact on the all-critical and illusive bowl game invitation being entirely dependent upon winning the CRITICAL number of Conference games. Yes, that would mean at LEAST two Conference games must be won by the Gophers in order to match the 2012 Kill Coaching Staff and team achievements. A real statement could be made by the Kill Coaching Staff and all the players on the team by winning this final ooc contest and then winning at least THREE Conference contests.

IF the Kill Coaching Staff AND the Team can accomplish becoming MORE competitive within the conference, winning another bowl game invitation AND then possibly winning that bowl game contest: MUCH progress would be displayed by the Kill Coaching Staff, the Team and by the Kill Coaching Staff's Golden Gopher Football Program in this 2013 Football Season.

I would have to say that such results in year THREE would indicate that Coach Kill and the system he has put in place that focuses upon the POWER of the Kill Coaching Staff has, executed the demands of the job that the Kill Coaching Staff has been hired to do.

So, now we will just have to wait for the results of the NEXT game to see the Kill Coaching Staff...the Kill Coaching System...the Kill Coached Golden Gopher Football Team in action against it's biggest challenge to date during this 2013 Football Season.

And let the press ask what ever they will ask. Let Prexy K and our new Norwood respond in what ever way they will respond. I don't care about the press. I don't really care much about our administrators. I DO care about my Golden Gopher Football Team and I am hoping for the VERY BEST for the Kill Coaching Staff System and how the power of that system will prepare my Golden Gopher Football team for their NEXT game.

We DO NOT...we WILL NOT answer the questions the media columnists and talking-heads on the "all sports...all the time..." content-starved cable tv stations will be asking during the next six days. The results of our NEXT game will allow us to witness the effectiveness of the Kill Coaching Staff System. Stay tuned...AND best wishes to all. Go Gophers!

 

[BreakTheGopherCurse]

per Mackey:

How do Kill's seizures affect recruiting? We'd be fools to think there aren't assistants at competing schools whispering about Kill's health issues to potential recruits. Mudslinging happens in recruiting, just like in politics. Hell, imagine if a state governor suffered epileptic seizures in public forums - say, in a televised debate. Even though the seizures might not be life-threatening, they could (and probably would) certainly affect voters' decisions. For what it's worth, U of M commit Gaelic Elmore tweeted Saturday, "Still love Coach Kill! Can't wait to play for him. Great coach. Even better person." Of course, it's unlikely any recruits would tweet anything negative.

Should Kill's role be adjusted? I think what I would propose is this (and I say "I think" because this is not a black-and-white issue): Have Kill coach from the booth. I'm certainly not a doctor, but common sense says the stress level would likely go down, as he wouldn't be stuck in the middle of all the hustle and bustle on the sideline. That seems like a fair proposition. If that doesn't work - and if the U of M still deems him the man they want running the program -- maybe there's a way he can oversee the football program while somebody else operates the game-day coaching duties (see: Joe Paterno).

http://www.1500espn.com/sportswire/...s_need_to_be_asked_regarding_Jerry_Kill091413

Go Gophers!!

It seems to me this is a wonderful opportunity for the "U" to step up and declare that Jerry Kill is our head football coach and we have no intention of making any changes. He and his staff are doing a wonderful job, re-building our program in the way we like and his players absolutely love him and love playing for him. Jerry Kill is a strong asset for the University of Minnesota and will continue to be so for the forseeable future. Jerry Kill and his staff have created a very effective system for UofM football including appropriate measures if Jerry Kill suffers a seizure during a game. Go Gophers!

 

[corcoran1]

he is a world class dumb*&^!#*&^!#*&^!#*&^!#, just listen to him. these guys will gore anyone's ox to get read, or be "controversial" simple as that.

 

[Great Plains Gopher]

Had a good friend with the condition - he worked for decades in a high pressure job, but occasionally had seizures. Once a year for Kill doesn't upset me, though I'm sure it upsets him. I did feel the networks (Big Ten and ESPN) overdid it with ribbon announcements CONSTANTLY for hours yesterday. As Wren says, the important thing is where the team finishes this year, especially in getting to - and winning - a bowl game.

 

[tinyarch]

Do we know for sure that Jerry Kills seizures have anything to do with stress or is that just assumption and conjecture by people? If I knew that the seizures were brought on by stress I would likely counsel Coach Kill to sit in the booth if that helped reduce the stress. However, Coach Kill needs to be given the right to do what is best for his football team. If it is best for the team that he be on the sidelines, then I will support that 100%. I look forward to Jerry Kill sharing his thoughts on the subject and I will accept whatever he desires. Last I looked the Gophers are 3-0 to start the season. I like what our coach is doing.

 

[scher215]

Do we know for sure that Jerry Kills seizures have anything to do with stress or is that just assumption and conjecture by people? If I knew that the seizures were brought on by stress I would likely counsel Coach Kill to sit in the booth if that helped reduce the stress. However, Coach Kill needs to be given the right to do what is best for his football team. If it is best for the team that he be on the sidelines, then I will support that 100%. I look forward to Jerry Kill sharing his thoughts on the subject and I will accept whatever he desires. Last I looked the Gophers are 3-0 to start the season. I like what our coach is doing.

I am typically a "just win, baby, win" type of guy. I'm just not sure I can comfortably say hey we made the rise bowl!!! All the while our coach is literally killing himself getting us there.

This all hinges on the assumption coaching/stress makes his condition worse of course.

 

[GophersInIowa]

Do we know for sure that Jerry Kills seizures have anything to do with stress or is that just assumption and conjecture by people? If I knew that the seizures were brought on by stress I would likely counsel Coach Kill to sit in the booth if that helped reduce the stress. However, Coach Kill needs to be given the right to do what is best for his football team. If it is best for the team that he be on the sidelines, then I will support that 100%. I look forward to Jerry Kill sharing his thoughts on the subject and I will accept whatever he desires. Last I looked the Gophers are 3-0 to start the season. I like what our coach is doing.

That's my biggest problem with some of these comments and articles. No one has talked to Kill or the doctors about this. They're all presuming.

 

[littlebigboy]

people keep saying they are worried about coach Kills health. YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND HIS DISEASE

 

[lakesgopher]

people keep saying they are worried about coach Kills health. YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND HIS DISEASE

I don't know the ins and outs of Jerry kills health but I do know about seizures and I'm worried about his health. If the rest of our fans aren't worried about his health they are either ignorant or don't care about anything but the scoreboard. Praying for coach kill like always

Lets get after San Jose st

 

[Gold Vision]

I spoke to a dozen casual fans today, all anyone is talking about is his health. It's fair for people to have concerns and questions, it's the nature of such a high profile job.

 

[wait!what?]

I spoke to a dozen casual fans today, all anyone is talking about is his health. It's fair for people to have concerns and questions, it's the nature of such a high profile job.

yabut, if the gophs had lost to west IL. people might be encouraging kill to retire.

 

[hyaluronic]

I am typically a "just win, baby, win" type of guy. I'm just not sure I can comfortably say hey we made the rise bowl!!! All the while our coach is literally killing himself getting us there.

This all hinges on the assumption coaching/stress makes his condition worse of course.

Just because he has a seizure does not mean he is killing himself. He's epileptic, it happens. Could it be the uncommon seizure that leads to death, sure. I don't see anyone arguing that we should stop driving to mitigate that risk.

And I'm not an expert, but I have worked with many with seizure disorders. And while my information is limited, I would say stress does play a role for him. However, it is his (and the University's) choice on how to best resolve that, and I support whatever decision they make. If Jerry feels he has to be on the field to make the program successful, and he in the conjunction with doctors believe the risk is minimal - go on, Jerry, go on.

 

[Gopherguy0723]

Maybe some need to have know someone with Epilepsy. These reports are knee jerks expressing how uncomfortable they are around it. How someone with Epilepsy cannot function. None have Medical degrees. And none have studied the disease. Relax. Lets here from his Doctor, or from Coach Kill.

I had a class or two with Mackey in undergrad back when he was a KFAN intern. He was a nice guy, but he isn't that bright. Probably average. There is nothing wrong with that, but his lack of depth shows.