The Kent State football coach who was fired after running drills during a player's death is speaking out.
Tyler Heintz collapsed during practice on June 13 and was taken to University Hospitals Portage Medical Center where he later died. According to the Portage County Coroner's Office, Heintz likely died from hyperthermia, or a high body temperature.
According to a Kent State spokesperson, strength and conditioning coach Ross Bowsher gave false information regarding his certification, resulting in his termination. Bowsher says this statement, released at the same time as information about the workout in which Heintz collapsed, has falsely led people to believe that he contributed to Heintz's death.
The university says, "the workout was conducted in accordance with national protocols for student-athlete health and safety, and the session was supervised appropriately by qualified personnel."
The statement from the school goes on to say that during the review, "it was discovered that football strength and conditioning coach Ross Bowsher provided false information about his certification, which is required by the university and the NCAA. Mr. Bowsher has been dismissed from the university..."
Here is Bowsher's full response to the Kent State's statement:
"I appreciate Kent State University's internal review of the June 13 workout which found that, 'the workout was conducted in accordance with national protocols for student-athlete health and safety, and supervised appropriately by qualified personnel.' However, I am disappointed that the university also released in the same statement that my employment was terminated on the grounds that I provided false information. This statement has led some to suggest that my involvement in the June 13 workout somehow contributed to Tyler Heintz's death, which is absolutely untrue.
"The university has always been fully aware of my credentials. I've always been transparent with officials at Kent State University regarding my extensive education and experience that have allowed me to successfully coach collegiate athletes for the last 11 years.
"I care very much for all my student athletes, and their well-being and safety have always been my top priority. I continue to mourn the loss of Tyler Heintz, and his family remains in my thoughts and prayers.
