During a conditioning drill June 13th, 19 year old Tyler Heintz collapsed on the field. Tyler was transported to a local hospital by paramedics but doctors were unable to revive him.
Monday, Kent State University terminated the employment of head football strength coach Ross Bowsher who supervised the players' workout that day. In a statement released to CBS Sports, the University wrote the following:
"The safety and well-being of our student-athletes is paramount at Kent State University, and we have continued to assess and review all policies and circumstances relative to the June 13 summer football workout that occurred prior to the death of Tyler Heintz. We continue to mourn the loss of Tyler, and the Kent State family is focused on joining with the Heintz family in honoring his memory in our thoughts and actions.
The university has concluded its internal review of the matter, and our findings indicate that the workout was conducted in accordance with national protocols for student-athlete health and safety, and the session was supervised appropriately by qualified personnel. Present at the June 13 football workout were five certified personnel who participated in the design, implementation and supervision of the 20 student-athletes.
During the course of 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, and we are self-reporting this decision to the NCAA."
Today, Bowsher responded to 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.”
Kent State alleges Bowsher provided false information about his certification. Bowsher states he was always transparent regarding his education & experience.
This is clearly a terrible situation & our hearts hurt for the Heintz family. As Kent State notes in their statement, "The university has concluded its internal review of the matter, and our findings indicate that the workout was conducted in accordance with national protocols for student-athlete health and safety, and the session was supervised appropriately by qualified personnel." What comes next? Mourning & praying for the Heintz family.