Cook, Jason Coach
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September 19, 2008
Today's date is September 19th, 2008. Time now is 0932 hours. My name is Detective Terry Jones, my code number's #6354. I'm with the Louisville Metro Police Department. This interview pertains to Case File #08-197. It is a death investigation involving victim Max Gilpin. this interview is of Mr. Jason Cook, and we are currently at JCTA, at the Waterson Towers, conducting the interview with him. Present during this interview is his attor...uh, the...Mr. Mark Miller, an attorney...and uh...
Jones
Mr. Cook...are you...and also present is, is uh, uh...my sergeant, Denny Butler. And uh, Mr. Cook, are you aware this interview is being taped?
Cook
Yes.
Jones
Okay. Uh, does it meet with your approval?
Cook
Yes, sir.
Jones
Okay. Uh, Mr. Miller, you acknowledge that you are here...
Miller
I so acknowledge. Yes.
Jones
Okay. And Sgt. Butler.
Butler
Yes. My code number is #6084.
Page 2 of 32 Statement: Coach Jason Cook / Case #08197(a) September 19, 2008
Jones
Okay. Uh, at this time, Mr. Cook, can you identify yourself?
Cook
Yes. Uh, my name is uh, Jason Cook.
Jones
Okay. Your date of birth?
Cook Jones
Is And address?
Cook
7026 Alma June Kentucky, 40228.
Jones
And phone number?
Cook
It's area code
Jones
Okay. And at this time, uh, uh...goin' back to Au...August 20th, 2008, at which time uh, you were a coach at the uh, Pleasure Ridge Park High School...uh, uh...football team, you were coaching uh, uh...the football team at practice...if you would, on that particular day, August 20th, uh, just describe what events took place that day. Just start, from start to finish.
Cook
Uh, we started out on the football field at approximately 4 o'clock. Uh, I led the students in some stretching and pre-game exercises...uhm, after the stretching period was over with, we went to our team take-off period, which is where we run plays against air. Uh, the students were given a water break. Then after the team take-off period, uh, the students were then...we went to our individual group period...uh, in which we do our birddog exercises, where the students get down and uh,
Way,
uh,
Louisville,
Page 3 of 32 Statement: Coach Jason Cook / Case #08197(a) September 19, 2008
in a stance and fire off the football. Uhm, after the...after the birddog uh, period, uh, the students were given another water break. Then uh, we went to uh, another individual period with the running backs, which uh, this is called our buck drill, uh, which the students uh, the offensive linemen are with the running backs. Uhm, that period lasted approximately 20 minutes. Uh, after the buck drill was over with, uh, the students were given a water break. Then we went to uh, a uh, kind of a walk-through period uh, where the students uh, ran...walk through their assignments uh, on certain plays. Then we were going, uh, then, after the walk-through period, uhm, the students were given a water break. Then uh, we went to uh, we were going to start our team period and then instead of going to uh, the team period, we started our conditioning period. And that conditioning period lasted approximately 25 minutes. Jones
Okay. Uh, Mist...Coach Cook, if I can refer back to times...
Cook
...Yes...
Jones
...you said practice started at 6...at 4 o'clock?
Cook
Yes. Approximately 4 o'clock. Yes, sir.
Jones
And, and it involved team stretching. Correct?
Cook
Yes, sir.
Jones
As a team.
Cook
As a team.
Page 4 of 32 Statement: Coach Jason Cook / Case #08197(a) September 19, 2008
Jones
Okay. And uh, Team #1, you got varsity...is Team #2 JV...
Cook
...Um-hmm...
Jones
...and Team #3 is freshmen.
Cook
Freshmen. Yes.
Jones
Okay. And your position is...what is your position there?
Cook
I'm the off...the, one of the offensive line coaches.
Jones
Of the two offensive lines?
Cook
Yes, sir.
Jones
And who's the second one?
Cook
Uh, Adam Donnelly.
Jones
Okay. And how long have you been a, a coach?
Cook
Uh, for six years.
Jones
Okay. Has PRP been the only school you've coached at?
Cook
Uh, no, sir, it has not.
Jones
Okay.
Cook
Uhm, I coached for two years at New Albany High School in southern Indiana and then
Page 5 of 32 Statement: Coach Jason Cook / Case #08197(a) September 19, 2008
coached for one year uh, at Hazelwood Junior High School. Jones
Okay. And was it the same offensive line that you coached or a different, a different...
Cook
Uh, when I was at New Albany High School, I was the offensive line...assistant offensive line coach, and when I was at Hazelwood Junior High School, I was the head uh, coach for the seventh grade football team.
Jones
Okay. Uh, so the first water break after the practice had started at 4, was at 4:30?
Cook
Uh, yes, approximately. Yes, sir.
Jones
And uh, and roughly the team well, it was as individual or as a group?
Cook
Uh, that was as a group.
Jones
Now I mean we're, we're saying "group" I mean is that a particular group that you're assigned to...
Cook
...This would be the...
Jones
...like the li...linemen?
Cook
Yes. Yes...this would be the, after the...
Jones
...Right...
Cook
...the first water break was with the entire offensive side.
Jones
Okay.
Page 6 of 32 Statement: Coach Jason Cook / Case #08197(a) September 19, 2008
Cook
So that would be the offensive linemen, the running backs, quarterbacks, and wide receivers.
Jones
Um-hmm. Uh, so it's safe to say that while your group was takin' a break the other players could still be doin' their exercises. Correct? Or...
Cook
...Uh...
Jones
...in their particular pods they can do...
Cook
Or, or the, the defensive line, we usually all finish at the same time.
Jones
Okay.
Cook
Uh, because the defense is on one side during team take-off and the offense is on another side of the field.
Jones
But the water break was determined by your, your group...
Cook
...Uh...
Jones
...because you had already completed your assignment...
Cook
...Yes...
Jones
...based on what y'all had to accomplish...
Cook
...Yes. Yes.
Jones
So there still I could have been another group
Page 7 of 32 Statement: Coach Jason Cook / Case #08197(a) September 19, 2008
doin' their exercises or doin' their drills... Cook
...Uh...
Jones
...and not takin' a break with you guys? Is that correct?
Cook
Uh, yes. Yes.
Jones
Okay. Okay...so uh, goin', goin' back to the field, just takin' a water break and you go to the individual period...
Cook
Yes...
Jones
...and is that in full gear?
Cook
Yes, it is.
Jones
And individual period is, is what...if you may describe it to me, please.
Cook
Uh, the individual period uh, during...this particular day we did our birddogs...
Jones
...Okay...
Cook
...which is the students uh, get down in the three-point stance and we blow the whistle three times and they practice firing off the football.
Jones
Okay. And this is full gear?
Cook
Uh, yes, sir.
Jones
Okay. And uh, and you were assisted by Coach Donnelly?
Page 8 of 32 Statement: Coach Jason Cook / Case #08197(a) September 19, 2008
Cook
Yes, sir.
Jones
In conducting these drills?
Cook
Yes, sir.
Jones
Uh, was...what was Max Gilpin's position on the team?
Cook
Uh, Max Gilpin kil...was an offensive tackle.
Jones
Okay. And you had observed him during the drill? Was he in Team #1 or Team #2 or what?
Cook
Uh, he would have been in Team uh, he would have rotated between the JV, which is Team #2, and Team #3, the freshmen. So he would have rotated between those two uh, just depending on who, who was at practice that day.
Jones
Okay. Okay...and sometimes they fill in for other people who are not there? Okay.
Cook
...Yes, sir. Yes, sir.
Jones
Okay. Uh, so Max is in #2 or #3 and uh, you're in to the birddog uh, uh...conditioning, uh, uh...conditioning or however you describe it... Uh...
Cook
Yes, sir.
Jones
And what happens after that?
Cook
Uh, after the birddog uh, conditioning, or that birddog part of the individual period was over with, we sent these students to a water break...
Page 9 of 32 Statement: Coach Jason Cook / Case #08197(a) September 19, 2008
Jones
As individual or a...
Cook
As a, as a, as an individual, as our group.
Jones
Okay.
Cook
As the offensive linemen.
Jones
And that was what time for that break?
Cook
Uhm, I would say that that would have been approximately maybe 4:30, 4:35...
Jones
Okay.
Cook
Just tryin' to think.
Jones
Okay.
Cook
Stretching...team take-off...
Jones
...And this would be your second break now.
Cook
Yes.
Jones
Okay.
Cook
Yes.
Jones
So the first, the first break was at what time?
Cook
the first, the first water break would have been after team take-off, which would have been at around 4:30, 'cause we stretch for 15 and...
Jones
...Okay...
Page 10 of 32 Statement: Coach Jason Cook / Case #08197(a) September 19, 2008
Cook
...then team take-off would have been for 15.
Jones
Okay. So 4:30 is the first one...
Cook
...and then...yes, and then 4:45 would have, approximately 4:45 would have been the second water break.
Jones
Okay. Okay, and what happens after you return back from this water break?
Cook
Uhm, after we return from back from the birddogs or the water break, we went in to a second individual period with the running backs...
Jones
Okay.
Cook
Uhm, that was our buck drill.
Jones
Okay.
Cook
Uhm, and it's just a play that we run...
Jones
...Okay...
Cook
...and just uh, it's an assignment...
Jones
And that's what the linemen and offensive backs?
Cook
Yes, sir.
Jones
Okay. Uh, and what time...what did you do after that?
Cook
Uh, after the buck drill uh, period, we took a water break...
Page 11 of 32 Statement: Coach Jason Cook / Case #08197(a) September 19, 2008
Jones
As a team or as individuals?
Cook
Uhm, as, as...that would have been with the offensive linemen and the backs.
Jones
Okay.
Cook
So it's...
Jones
And let me get clear. I'm sorry...
Cook
...No, no...go right ahead.
Jones
...Let me interrupt you...
Cook
...Um-hmm...
Jones
...When, when a team is taking water breaks, is someone there to say, to see how much water each player is getting? They're on their own. Right? So...
Cook
...Yes. Yes...
Jones
...and the water area is described as what?
Cook
Uh, the water area is...it's...
Jones
...I mean describe what's (inaudible) how...
Cook
Uh, there are four uh, PVC pipes...
Jones
...Okay...
Cook
...uhm, it's shaped in the shape of a rectangle...
Jones
...Okay...
Page 12 of 32 Statement: Coach Jason Cook / Case #08197(a) September 19, 2008
Cook
...with holes drilled in 'em...uh, I would say that there's pro'bly 12 to 15 holes that are drilled in to the pipes...
Jones
...Okay...
Cook
...and there's a hose connected to a water spigot.
Jones
Okay.
Cook
And when the spigot is turned on, the water shoots through the PVC pipe. So it's almost like there's 15 water fountains.
Jones
Okay. So when a team...when, when your group broke as, as to get water, uh, uh...was anything else taking place at the time? Like a soccer game?
Cook
Yes. There was a, there was a soccer game getting ready to begin.
Jones
Okay. And what, what position, where were you guys at during the course of your practice?
Cook
Uh, we were on our practice field.
Jones
I'm, I'm sorry...uh, uh...near the tree...tree or in the middle or near the park?
Cook
Oh, we were uh, at this point uh, during the birddogs, we would have been uh, under uh, near the tree on the far side of the practice field...
Jones
...Okay...
Page 13 of 32 Statement: Coach Jason Cook / Case #08197(a) September 19, 2008
Cook
...uh, and then during the individual, the buck drill, we would have been in the uh, in the middle of the field on the far, on the far side line.
Jones
And when you took that break uh, they would have been in the middle and...
Cook
...Yes...
Jones
...and they, they were allowed to walk over?
Cook
Yes. Yes.
Jones
And other...you know, nobody's watchin' over 'em...
Cook
...No...
Jones
...just kinda guidin', tell 'em to go get some water and come on back...
Cook
...Yeah, just, you get it as, as much as you want.
Jones
Okay.
Cook
Uh, you know, make...a lot of the kids were uh, fillin' up their helmets and...
Jones
...Okay. Does any uh, do you know if uh, who took the hy...hydrometer reading that day?
Cook
Uh, yes. Coach Stinson did.
Jones
Okay. And that was prior to practice or during practice?
Page 14 of 32 Statement: Coach Jason Cook / Case #08197(a) September 19, 2008
Cook
Uh, that was prior to practice and during practice.
Jones
Okay. And where would he have been if, when he took those, those readings?
Cook
Uh, he would have been in the vicinity of the, the shelter...
Jones
...Okay.
Cook
...uh, the, well, or not the shelter...the uh, storage shed.
Jones
Okay. And who records the reading?
Cook
Uh, Coach Stinson does.
Jones
Okay. Uh, now when a team got water, uh, you said the soccer game was gettin' ready to take place and there were se...there were several spectators there?...
Cook
...Yes, sir...uh, yes.
Jones
How many, would you say, was there?
Cook
Uh, I would say maybe approximately 50 to 75.
Jones
Okay. So the players had to walk between them to get to the water?
Cook
yes. They, they walked around the perimeter of the soccer field to get, to go get water...
Jones
...Okay. And the soccer field is right next to
Page 15 of 32 Statement: Coach Jason Cook / Case #08197(a) September 19, 2008
this practice field. Cook
Yes, it is.
Jones
Okay. So the team got water and everyone came back uh, does anyone ask him is everyone okay...did anyone get water, one get enough water? Is that asked of 'em?
Cook
Uh, I, I did. I, you know...
Jones
...Okay.
Cook
...I asked my, you know, offensive linemen...
Jones
...Okay. So you said they have water in the helmets (inaudible) and everything.
Cook
...Yes...
Jones
Okay. So you got back to the practice at this time and then what, what takes place then?
Cook
Uh, next would have been a walk-through, just a brief walk-through period...
Jones
...Okay...
Cook
...uhm, an assignment period uh, where the students are asked to just walk...we would line up to run a play and the students would walk to their assignment.
Jones
Okay.
Cook
Uh, and then that period lasted maybe ten minutes and the students were sent for another
Page 16 of 32 Statement: Coach Jason Cook / Case #08197(a) September 19, 2008
water break before... Jones
...As a team or as individuals?
Cook
Uhm, as individual.
Jones
Individual groups.
Cook
As individual with the uh, my offensive linemen. Or our offensive linemen.
Jones
And what time do you think that break would have been?
Cook
Uh, that break would have happened around 5:20.
Jones
Okay. So that would have been your third break. Right?
Cook
Yes.
Jones
Okay. So they return and then what?
Cook
And then we were getting ready to start our team period...
Jones
...Okay...
Cook
...uhm, and then that's when we uh, did not do our team period and went to our conditioning period.
Jones
And who, whose idea or whose decision was that?
Cook
Uh, that would have been Coach Stinson's.
Page 17 of 32 Statement: Coach Jason Cook / Case #08197(a) September 19, 2008
Jones
And is there any reason behind that?
Cook
Uh, practice was becoming lackadaisical...
Jones
...Okay...
Cook
...and uh, so I think he, we just decided to go to our conditioning period.
Jones
Did the team practice the day before on Tuesday?
Cook
Uh, yes, sir, it did.
Jones
They did practice the day before?
Cook
Yes, sir.
Jones
How many days a week do they have practice?
Cook
Uh, we practice uh, five days a week.
Jones
Okay.
Cook
Now that we're in the season, uh, it will be uh, four days a week.
Jones
Okay.
Cook
Uh, and...yeah, four days a week.
Jones
Okay. So Coach Stinson calls the team uh, blows the whistle or whatever, and says on line?
Cook
Yes, sir.
Jones
And that is considered the conditioning period.
Page 18 of 32 Statement: Coach Jason Cook / Case #08197(a) September 19, 2008
Cook
Yes, sir.
Jones
And you stated that the uh, the, the training was lacodasic...or the players...
Cook
...Yes.
Jones
...was kinda just kinda...
Cook
...Um-hmm...
Jones
...not responding...
Cook
...Yes, sir.
Jones
Not doing things properly? And uh, that was around 5:25 when coach called this?
Cook
Yes.
Jones
Okay. Is that correct?
Cook
Yes.
Jones
Okay. And they ran conditioning, and describe what is conditioning?
Cook
Uh, our conditioning are gassers, uh, which the students start on one side of the field, uh, the, and they run the width of the field, they run over and back and over and then back again.
Jones
Okay. Now some of these...and that's considered one gasser. Right?
Cook
Yes, sir.
Page 19 of 32 Statement: Coach Jason Cook / Case #08197(a) September 19, 2008
Jones
Now you, you stated some of 'em are with, are with, you informed me that some of 'em are not...with, without equipment?
Cook
Uh, uh...no, at this point, at this point the students are in full gear.
Jones
Okay.
Cook
Uh, the students are in full gear...uhm, and then they ran eight in full gear and then uh, they ran two without their helmets, and then they ran two without helmets or shoulder pads.
Jones
Okay. And uh, during the running of gassers, uh, what was your position at the time the team was running gassers?
Cook
Uh, I was lining the field. I was chalking the field.
Jones
Okay. So you did not participate in it.
Cook
Uh, no.
Jones
Okay. and who was participating...what coaches were participating in the running of gassers for the team?
Cook
Uhm, it would have been uh, Coach Stinson...
Jones
...Okay...
Cook
...uh, Coach Donnelly...
Jones
...Okay...
Cook
...uh, Bobby Deacon...Coach Bobby Deacon...
Page 20 of 32 Statement: Coach Jason Cook / Case #08197(a) September 19, 2008
Jones
...Okay...
Cook
...uh, Coach Steve was in the locker-room and Coach Hiser had left. And Coach Lightle was...
Jones
...And...
Cook
...was at uh, was there during the, the period.
Jones
Okay.
Cook
The conditioning period.
Jones
And Lightle, he was on, his position would have been where, as it relates to those gassers?
Cook
Uh, he would have been on the starting line. He would have been where the students start.
Jones
And Coach Donnelly would have been where?
Cook
On the opposite line.
Jones
Uh, Coach Stinson would have been where?
Cook
Was in the middle of the field.
Jones
Okay. And now you said Deacon, are we referring to Bobby or, or Steve?
Cook
Bobby. Bobby, coach Bobby.
Jones
Bobby Deacon would have been where?
Cook
He was, he was on the starting line uhm, walking in, on the starting line with the
Page 21 of 32 Statement: Coach Jason Cook / Case #08197(a) September 19, 2008
freshmen, walking out and then walking back...he was with the freshmen. Jones
Okay. Good. Okay. And how many gassers do you think the team ran?
Cook
Uh, 12.
Jones
And when they're running gassers, do they run 'em altogether or is there like different groups that run 'em?
Cook
There's, there are different groups. Uh, the linemen...the offensive linemen and defensive linemen run in a group...
Jones
...Okay...
Cook
...and then the running backs and defensive backs...
Jones
...Okay...
Cook
...run in a group.
Jones
And how many minutes do you think the team ran gassers?
Cook
Uh, approximately 25.
Jones
Okay. Okay...and at any point, did you see any players become ill?
Cook
Uhm, I noticed one student towards the end uh, vomit.
Jones
And was he a white male player...black male player...
Page 22 of 32 Statement: Coach Jason Cook / Case #08197(a) September 19, 2008
Cook
Uh, African-American male.
Jones
Okay. And you don't know who that player was?
Cook
Uh, no, sir, I do not.
Jones
Okay. And was there another player that got ill or needed some assistance?
Cook
Uhm, there was...after, after...uh, not during the conditioning, no.
Jones
Okay.
Cook
During the conditioning period, no.
Jones
Uh, did a player need an inhaler or anything?
Cook
Yes. Uh, after the uh, after the freshmen uh, Coach Deacon asked me...Coach Bobby Deacon asked me to get uh, Jacob Heeley his inhaler. Uh...
Jones
...Okay...
Cook
...which we have on the practice field with us.
Jones
Okay. And you stated that you didn't know uh, if Max, you didn't know when Max Gilpin became ill?
Cook
Uh, no, sir, I do not.
Jones
On the...
Cook
The only time that I knew that Max uh, had
Page 23 of 32 Statement: Coach Jason Cook / Case #08197(a) September 19, 2008
gotten ill was when I saw him being loaded in to the ambulance. Jones
Okay. Uh, let me back up just, just this last question...
Cook
...Um-hmm...
Jones
...and I'll hand it on to Sgt. Butler. While the team was running gassers or, or...or conditioning...let's say...let's go back before the conditioning. Your uh, you were, you had the offensive line. Correct?
Cook
Yes, sir.
Jones
And, and Max was part of your offensive line...
Cook
...Yes, sir...
Jones
...in one form or another, in one of the teams...
Cook
Um-hmm.
Jones
..did he exhibit any unusual behavior...any illnesses or anything?
Cook
Uh, no, sir. He did not.
Jones
Did he require an excessive amount of water...
Cook
...Uh...
Jones
...did he want water at any time?
Cook
Max never asked me for any additional water besides the breaks that were given...
Page 24 of 32 Statement: Coach Jason Cook / Case #08197(a) September 19, 2008
Jones
...Okay...
Cook
...uh, to the team.
Jones
Okay. And, and Max, as well as the other players, uh, uh...uh, participated in every drill...
Cook
...Yes, sir...
Jones
...up to the gassers...
Cook
...Yes, sir...
Jones
...and the gassers is, is when some players became ill...
Cook
Yes...
Jones
...and you described at least one player needed an inhaler and one needed, he vomited.
Cook
Yes.
Jones
But you didn't personally witness Max becoming ill.
Cook
No, sir, I did not.
Jones
Okay. Uh, I don't have anything else. Sgt. Butler?
Butler
I do. Uh, Denny Butler speaking. 1630, you take a water break...
Cook
...Um-hmm...
Butler
1645 we take a water break...
Page 25 of 32 Statement: Coach Jason Cook / Case #08197(a) September 19, 2008
Cook
...Um-hmm.
Butler
1710.
Cook
Yes.
Butler
Did we take a water break then?
Cook
Uh, that would have been around...sorry...is that 5? (Laughs).
Butler
Yeah. Oh, I'm sorry.
Cook
Sorry about that. (Laughs). Uh, that uh, around, no, we would have taken a water break around 5:20, before...I would have sent...after we did our walk-through period, I would have sent, I sent the kids to go get a water break before the start of team period.
Butler
And would that be seven on seven?
Cook
Uh, that would have been 11 on 11.
Butler
Okay.
Cook
Uh, the offense against the defense.
Butler
Okay. And you and Coach Donnelly are with the offensive/defensive line.
Cook
Uh, yes, sir.
Butler
okay. And at 5:20...
Cook
...Yes...we sent, we...
Butler
...that group? Who sent them?
Page 26 of 32 Statement: Coach Jason Cook / Case #08197(a) September 19, 2008
Cook
Uh, I did.
Butler
Okay.
Cook
I did. I sent...I sent uh, offensive line and defensive uh, to get a water break...
Butler
...Okay...
Cook
...before uh, before the team period began.
Butler
Okay. And Max is offensive tackle...
Cook
Yes, sir.
Butler
Christian Vincent...
Cook
Yes. He is a defensive lineman.
Butler
Okay. Deandré Cole.
Cook
Defensive lineman.
Butler
Okay. Would they have been in the same group that would have taken the break?
Cook
Uh, I believe so, yes. Should have been.
Butler
Okay. You start conditioning, you start chalking the field. Correct?
Cook
Yes, sir.
Butler
And how, ex...where's the chalk kept?
Cook
It's the uhm, the...I get the chalk out of the shed.
Page 27 of 32 Statement: Coach Jason Cook / Case #08197(a) September 19, 2008
Butler
Okay.
Cook
Uh, the...and it's just a walk spray-paint uh, sprayer and I am chalking the field. I'm lining the field as the, during the conditioning period.
Butler
The outer perimeter or no?
Cook
Uh, the outer perimeter and the, the lines.
Butler
Okay.
Cook
The, the yard markers.
Butler
In the conditioning?
Cook
Yes.
Butler
Who's counting the number of gassers?
Cook
Uh, that would be Coach Stinson.
Butler
Okay. How, do you personally know that they ran 12?
Cook
Uh, I've got a...uh, yes.
Butler
How do, how do you know that?
Cook
Uh, I took a, I can't say for sure that they ran 12. Uh, but...
Butler
...Your focus is lining the field.
Cook
Uh, my focus is lining the field. Yes, sir.
Butler
Okay. Uh, you see a player get sick...
Page 28 of 32 Statement: Coach Jason Cook / Case #08197(a) September 19, 2008
Cook
...Yes...
Butler
...who, who's with that player?
Cook
Uhm, at this point, uh, at this point I see the, the player get sick and uhm, that is at the end of, at the end of the conditioning period.
Butler
Okay.
Cook
When the, when the player got sick. then...
Butler
But you're still lining...
Cook
...Yes, sir...
Butler
...the field.
Cook
Yes, sir.
Butler
Was anybody attending to that...
Cook
...I cannot...
Butler
...sick player?
Cook
...I cannot say. I cannot say.
Butler
Was Coach Stinson aware that player was sick?
Cook
I believe he was. Yes.
Butler
Well, why do you think that?
Cook
I, I don't know, I would assume that he would, I don't know.
And
Page 29 of 32 Statement: Coach Jason Cook / Case #08197(a) September 19, 2008
Butler
Okay. Coach Donnelly aware?
Cook
Uh, I couldn't say.
Butler
Coach Lightle?
Cook
I could not say.
Butler
Okay. Uh, in the field you've got the soccer side of the field...
Cook
Yes, sir...
Butler
...and you got the, and that's where they're starting from.
Cook
Yes.
Butler
Running the conditioning.
Cook
Yes.
Butler
Coach Stinson is located where? At the center of the field?
Cook
In the center of the field.
Butler
Coach Donnelly is on the...
Cook
...on the opposite side...
Butler
...opposite side...
Cook
...Yes, sir...
Butler
...and Coach Lightle is where?
Page 30 of 32 Statement: Coach Jason Cook / Case #08197(a) September 19, 2008
Cook
Is on the...on the sou...on the starting side.
Butler
Do you know which end?
Cook
Uh, I wanna say kinda in the middle, but closer towards...'cause here are the freshmen and then the varsity, and I think he's between the freshmen and the varsity.
Butler
Okay. You're chalking the field...
Cook
Yes.
Butler
At some point Coach Bobby Deacon comes to you and says...
Cook
...Af, this is after, after uh, when I am taking the chalker back to the shed...he asks me to get uh, an inhaler for Jacob Heeley.
Butler
Okay. Do you know Antonio Calloway?
Cook
Uh, yes, I do.
Butler
Was he ill at any point?
Cook
Uh, I did not see Antonio get ill.
Butler
Okay.
Cook
Uh...
Butler
...Or was he being attended to by any of the coaches?
Cook
Uh, I can...I did not see it.
Butler
Okay. Uh, do you know of any other player
Page 31 of 32 Statement: Coach Jason Cook / Case #08197(a) September 19, 2008
that was being attended to by any coaches, like...like Coach Bobby's workin' with Heeley, the freshman. Cook
Um-hmm.
Butler
Were any of the other coaches attending to any players?
Cook
Uhm, I would assume that at this point, once the conditioning is over with uhm, I would assume that the coaches have...are with Max. I was not with Max. I did not see Max go, I did not see Max collapse, uh, so I do not, I could not answer that, on what I saw.
Butler
That's all the questions I have.
Jones
I've just got one quick one. Uh, during the course of the uh, the conditioning again, uh, you said they're not timed. Correct?
Cook
No.
Jones
Uh, and the team has an agenda to follow and, and...
Cook
Yes.
Jones
Was this considered a good practice or bad practice that day?
Cook
...Uh, this...this would have been considered a, not very good practice.
Jones
Okay. And that's the reason why the conditioning started early.
Page 32 of 32 Statement: Coach Jason Cook / Case #08197(a) September 19, 2008
Cook
Uh, I would assume, yes.
Jones
And, and the conditioning was much earlier than a normal practice?
Cook
Uh, yes.
Jones
Okay. Okay...uh, I don't have anything else. Uh, Sgt. Butler, follow-up?
Butler
I do not.
Jones
Uh, Coach Cook, if there's, if there's anything we didn't ask you, anything else important that we didn't cover, anything you wanna add?
Cook
Uh, no, sir.
Jones
Okay. Uh, Mr. Miller?
Miller
No, I have nothing.
Jones
Okay. I thank you for your time, Coach Cook. And we'll go off record. The time now is 9:57.
END OF STATEMENT File #08197ajones-ks
Today's date is September 19th, 2008. Time now is 0932 hours. My name is Detective Terry Jones, my code number's #6354. I'm with the Louisville Metro Police Department. This interview pertains to Case File #08-197. It is a death investigation involving victim Max Gilpin. this interview is of Mr. Jason Cook, and we are currently at JCTA, at the Waterson Towers, conducting the interview with him. Present during this interview is his attor...uh, the...Mr. Mark Miller, an attorney...and uh...
Jones
Mr. Cook...are you...and also present is, is uh, uh...my sergeant, Denny Butler. And uh, Mr. Cook, are you aware this interview is being taped?
Cook
Yes.
Jones
Okay. Uh, does it meet with your approval?
Cook
Yes, sir.
Jones
Okay. Uh, Mr. Miller, you acknowledge that you are here...
Miller
I so acknowledge. Yes.
Jones
Okay. And Sgt. Butler.
Butler
Yes. My code number is #6084.
Page 2 of 32 Statement: Coach Jason Cook / Case #08197(a) September 19, 2008
Jones
Okay. Uh, at this time, Mr. Cook, can you identify yourself?
Cook
Yes. Uh, my name is uh, Jason Cook.
Jones
Okay. Your date of birth?
Cook Jones
Is And address?
Cook
7026 Alma June Kentucky, 40228.
Jones
And phone number?
Cook
It's area code
Jones
Okay. And at this time, uh, uh...goin' back to Au...August 20th, 2008, at which time uh, you were a coach at the uh, Pleasure Ridge Park High School...uh, uh...football team, you were coaching uh, uh...the football team at practice...if you would, on that particular day, August 20th, uh, just describe what events took place that day. Just start, from start to finish.
Cook
Uh, we started out on the football field at approximately 4 o'clock. Uh, I led the students in some stretching and pre-game exercises...uhm, after the stretching period was over with, we went to our team take-off period, which is where we run plays against air. Uh, the students were given a water break. Then after the team take-off period, uh, the students were then...we went to our individual group period...uh, in which we do our birddog exercises, where the students get down and uh,
Way,
uh,
Louisville,
Page 3 of 32 Statement: Coach Jason Cook / Case #08197(a) September 19, 2008
in a stance and fire off the football. Uhm, after the...after the birddog uh, period, uh, the students were given another water break. Then uh, we went to uh, another individual period with the running backs, which uh, this is called our buck drill, uh, which the students uh, the offensive linemen are with the running backs. Uhm, that period lasted approximately 20 minutes. Uh, after the buck drill was over with, uh, the students were given a water break. Then we went to uh, a uh, kind of a walk-through period uh, where the students uh, ran...walk through their assignments uh, on certain plays. Then we were going, uh, then, after the walk-through period, uhm, the students were given a water break. Then uh, we went to uh, we were going to start our team period and then instead of going to uh, the team period, we started our conditioning period. And that conditioning period lasted approximately 25 minutes. Jones
Okay. Uh, Mist...Coach Cook, if I can refer back to times...
Cook
...Yes...
Jones
...you said practice started at 6...at 4 o'clock?
Cook
Yes. Approximately 4 o'clock. Yes, sir.
Jones
And, and it involved team stretching. Correct?
Cook
Yes, sir.
Jones
As a team.
Cook
As a team.
Page 4 of 32 Statement: Coach Jason Cook / Case #08197(a) September 19, 2008
Jones
Okay. And uh, Team #1, you got varsity...is Team #2 JV...
Cook
...Um-hmm...
Jones
...and Team #3 is freshmen.
Cook
Freshmen. Yes.
Jones
Okay. And your position is...what is your position there?
Cook
I'm the off...the, one of the offensive line coaches.
Jones
Of the two offensive lines?
Cook
Yes, sir.
Jones
And who's the second one?
Cook
Uh, Adam Donnelly.
Jones
Okay. And how long have you been a, a coach?
Cook
Uh, for six years.
Jones
Okay. Has PRP been the only school you've coached at?
Cook
Uh, no, sir, it has not.
Jones
Okay.
Cook
Uhm, I coached for two years at New Albany High School in southern Indiana and then
Page 5 of 32 Statement: Coach Jason Cook / Case #08197(a) September 19, 2008
coached for one year uh, at Hazelwood Junior High School. Jones
Okay. And was it the same offensive line that you coached or a different, a different...
Cook
Uh, when I was at New Albany High School, I was the offensive line...assistant offensive line coach, and when I was at Hazelwood Junior High School, I was the head uh, coach for the seventh grade football team.
Jones
Okay. Uh, so the first water break after the practice had started at 4, was at 4:30?
Cook
Uh, yes, approximately. Yes, sir.
Jones
And uh, and roughly the team well, it was as individual or as a group?
Cook
Uh, that was as a group.
Jones
Now I mean we're, we're saying "group" I mean is that a particular group that you're assigned to...
Cook
...This would be the...
Jones
...like the li...linemen?
Cook
Yes. Yes...this would be the, after the...
Jones
...Right...
Cook
...the first water break was with the entire offensive side.
Jones
Okay.
Page 6 of 32 Statement: Coach Jason Cook / Case #08197(a) September 19, 2008
Cook
So that would be the offensive linemen, the running backs, quarterbacks, and wide receivers.
Jones
Um-hmm. Uh, so it's safe to say that while your group was takin' a break the other players could still be doin' their exercises. Correct? Or...
Cook
...Uh...
Jones
...in their particular pods they can do...
Cook
Or, or the, the defensive line, we usually all finish at the same time.
Jones
Okay.
Cook
Uh, because the defense is on one side during team take-off and the offense is on another side of the field.
Jones
But the water break was determined by your, your group...
Cook
...Uh...
Jones
...because you had already completed your assignment...
Cook
...Yes...
Jones
...based on what y'all had to accomplish...
Cook
...Yes. Yes.
Jones
So there still I could have been another group
Page 7 of 32 Statement: Coach Jason Cook / Case #08197(a) September 19, 2008
doin' their exercises or doin' their drills... Cook
...Uh...
Jones
...and not takin' a break with you guys? Is that correct?
Cook
Uh, yes. Yes.
Jones
Okay. Okay...so uh, goin', goin' back to the field, just takin' a water break and you go to the individual period...
Cook
Yes...
Jones
...and is that in full gear?
Cook
Yes, it is.
Jones
And individual period is, is what...if you may describe it to me, please.
Cook
Uh, the individual period uh, during...this particular day we did our birddogs...
Jones
...Okay...
Cook
...which is the students uh, get down in the three-point stance and we blow the whistle three times and they practice firing off the football.
Jones
Okay. And this is full gear?
Cook
Uh, yes, sir.
Jones
Okay. And uh, and you were assisted by Coach Donnelly?
Page 8 of 32 Statement: Coach Jason Cook / Case #08197(a) September 19, 2008
Cook
Yes, sir.
Jones
In conducting these drills?
Cook
Yes, sir.
Jones
Uh, was...what was Max Gilpin's position on the team?
Cook
Uh, Max Gilpin kil...was an offensive tackle.
Jones
Okay. And you had observed him during the drill? Was he in Team #1 or Team #2 or what?
Cook
Uh, he would have been in Team uh, he would have rotated between the JV, which is Team #2, and Team #3, the freshmen. So he would have rotated between those two uh, just depending on who, who was at practice that day.
Jones
Okay. Okay...and sometimes they fill in for other people who are not there? Okay.
Cook
...Yes, sir. Yes, sir.
Jones
Okay. Uh, so Max is in #2 or #3 and uh, you're in to the birddog uh, uh...conditioning, uh, uh...conditioning or however you describe it... Uh...
Cook
Yes, sir.
Jones
And what happens after that?
Cook
Uh, after the birddog uh, conditioning, or that birddog part of the individual period was over with, we sent these students to a water break...
Page 9 of 32 Statement: Coach Jason Cook / Case #08197(a) September 19, 2008
Jones
As individual or a...
Cook
As a, as a, as an individual, as our group.
Jones
Okay.
Cook
As the offensive linemen.
Jones
And that was what time for that break?
Cook
Uhm, I would say that that would have been approximately maybe 4:30, 4:35...
Jones
Okay.
Cook
Just tryin' to think.
Jones
Okay.
Cook
Stretching...team take-off...
Jones
...And this would be your second break now.
Cook
Yes.
Jones
Okay.
Cook
Yes.
Jones
So the first, the first break was at what time?
Cook
the first, the first water break would have been after team take-off, which would have been at around 4:30, 'cause we stretch for 15 and...
Jones
...Okay...
Page 10 of 32 Statement: Coach Jason Cook / Case #08197(a) September 19, 2008
Cook
...then team take-off would have been for 15.
Jones
Okay. So 4:30 is the first one...
Cook
...and then...yes, and then 4:45 would have, approximately 4:45 would have been the second water break.
Jones
Okay. Okay, and what happens after you return back from this water break?
Cook
Uhm, after we return from back from the birddogs or the water break, we went in to a second individual period with the running backs...
Jones
Okay.
Cook
Uhm, that was our buck drill.
Jones
Okay.
Cook
Uhm, and it's just a play that we run...
Jones
...Okay...
Cook
...and just uh, it's an assignment...
Jones
And that's what the linemen and offensive backs?
Cook
Yes, sir.
Jones
Okay. Uh, and what time...what did you do after that?
Cook
Uh, after the buck drill uh, period, we took a water break...
Page 11 of 32 Statement: Coach Jason Cook / Case #08197(a) September 19, 2008
Jones
As a team or as individuals?
Cook
Uhm, as, as...that would have been with the offensive linemen and the backs.
Jones
Okay.
Cook
So it's...
Jones
And let me get clear. I'm sorry...
Cook
...No, no...go right ahead.
Jones
...Let me interrupt you...
Cook
...Um-hmm...
Jones
...When, when a team is taking water breaks, is someone there to say, to see how much water each player is getting? They're on their own. Right? So...
Cook
...Yes. Yes...
Jones
...and the water area is described as what?
Cook
Uh, the water area is...it's...
Jones
...I mean describe what's (inaudible) how...
Cook
Uh, there are four uh, PVC pipes...
Jones
...Okay...
Cook
...uhm, it's shaped in the shape of a rectangle...
Jones
...Okay...
Page 12 of 32 Statement: Coach Jason Cook / Case #08197(a) September 19, 2008
Cook
...with holes drilled in 'em...uh, I would say that there's pro'bly 12 to 15 holes that are drilled in to the pipes...
Jones
...Okay...
Cook
...and there's a hose connected to a water spigot.
Jones
Okay.
Cook
And when the spigot is turned on, the water shoots through the PVC pipe. So it's almost like there's 15 water fountains.
Jones
Okay. So when a team...when, when your group broke as, as to get water, uh, uh...was anything else taking place at the time? Like a soccer game?
Cook
Yes. There was a, there was a soccer game getting ready to begin.
Jones
Okay. And what, what position, where were you guys at during the course of your practice?
Cook
Uh, we were on our practice field.
Jones
I'm, I'm sorry...uh, uh...near the tree...tree or in the middle or near the park?
Cook
Oh, we were uh, at this point uh, during the birddogs, we would have been uh, under uh, near the tree on the far side of the practice field...
Jones
...Okay...
Page 13 of 32 Statement: Coach Jason Cook / Case #08197(a) September 19, 2008
Cook
...uh, and then during the individual, the buck drill, we would have been in the uh, in the middle of the field on the far, on the far side line.
Jones
And when you took that break uh, they would have been in the middle and...
Cook
...Yes...
Jones
...and they, they were allowed to walk over?
Cook
Yes. Yes.
Jones
And other...you know, nobody's watchin' over 'em...
Cook
...No...
Jones
...just kinda guidin', tell 'em to go get some water and come on back...
Cook
...Yeah, just, you get it as, as much as you want.
Jones
Okay.
Cook
Uh, you know, make...a lot of the kids were uh, fillin' up their helmets and...
Jones
...Okay. Does any uh, do you know if uh, who took the hy...hydrometer reading that day?
Cook
Uh, yes. Coach Stinson did.
Jones
Okay. And that was prior to practice or during practice?
Page 14 of 32 Statement: Coach Jason Cook / Case #08197(a) September 19, 2008
Cook
Uh, that was prior to practice and during practice.
Jones
Okay. And where would he have been if, when he took those, those readings?
Cook
Uh, he would have been in the vicinity of the, the shelter...
Jones
...Okay.
Cook
...uh, the, well, or not the shelter...the uh, storage shed.
Jones
Okay. And who records the reading?
Cook
Uh, Coach Stinson does.
Jones
Okay. Uh, now when a team got water, uh, you said the soccer game was gettin' ready to take place and there were se...there were several spectators there?...
Cook
...Yes, sir...uh, yes.
Jones
How many, would you say, was there?
Cook
Uh, I would say maybe approximately 50 to 75.
Jones
Okay. So the players had to walk between them to get to the water?
Cook
yes. They, they walked around the perimeter of the soccer field to get, to go get water...
Jones
...Okay. And the soccer field is right next to
Page 15 of 32 Statement: Coach Jason Cook / Case #08197(a) September 19, 2008
this practice field. Cook
Yes, it is.
Jones
Okay. So the team got water and everyone came back uh, does anyone ask him is everyone okay...did anyone get water, one get enough water? Is that asked of 'em?
Cook
Uh, I, I did. I, you know...
Jones
...Okay.
Cook
...I asked my, you know, offensive linemen...
Jones
...Okay. So you said they have water in the helmets (inaudible) and everything.
Cook
...Yes...
Jones
Okay. So you got back to the practice at this time and then what, what takes place then?
Cook
Uh, next would have been a walk-through, just a brief walk-through period...
Jones
...Okay...
Cook
...uhm, an assignment period uh, where the students are asked to just walk...we would line up to run a play and the students would walk to their assignment.
Jones
Okay.
Cook
Uh, and then that period lasted maybe ten minutes and the students were sent for another
Page 16 of 32 Statement: Coach Jason Cook / Case #08197(a) September 19, 2008
water break before... Jones
...As a team or as individuals?
Cook
Uhm, as individual.
Jones
Individual groups.
Cook
As individual with the uh, my offensive linemen. Or our offensive linemen.
Jones
And what time do you think that break would have been?
Cook
Uh, that break would have happened around 5:20.
Jones
Okay. So that would have been your third break. Right?
Cook
Yes.
Jones
Okay. So they return and then what?
Cook
And then we were getting ready to start our team period...
Jones
...Okay...
Cook
...uhm, and then that's when we uh, did not do our team period and went to our conditioning period.
Jones
And who, whose idea or whose decision was that?
Cook
Uh, that would have been Coach Stinson's.
Page 17 of 32 Statement: Coach Jason Cook / Case #08197(a) September 19, 2008
Jones
And is there any reason behind that?
Cook
Uh, practice was becoming lackadaisical...
Jones
...Okay...
Cook
...and uh, so I think he, we just decided to go to our conditioning period.
Jones
Did the team practice the day before on Tuesday?
Cook
Uh, yes, sir, it did.
Jones
They did practice the day before?
Cook
Yes, sir.
Jones
How many days a week do they have practice?
Cook
Uh, we practice uh, five days a week.
Jones
Okay.
Cook
Now that we're in the season, uh, it will be uh, four days a week.
Jones
Okay.
Cook
Uh, and...yeah, four days a week.
Jones
Okay. So Coach Stinson calls the team uh, blows the whistle or whatever, and says on line?
Cook
Yes, sir.
Jones
And that is considered the conditioning period.
Page 18 of 32 Statement: Coach Jason Cook / Case #08197(a) September 19, 2008
Cook
Yes, sir.
Jones
And you stated that the uh, the, the training was lacodasic...or the players...
Cook
...Yes.
Jones
...was kinda just kinda...
Cook
...Um-hmm...
Jones
...not responding...
Cook
...Yes, sir.
Jones
Not doing things properly? And uh, that was around 5:25 when coach called this?
Cook
Yes.
Jones
Okay. Is that correct?
Cook
Yes.
Jones
Okay. And they ran conditioning, and describe what is conditioning?
Cook
Uh, our conditioning are gassers, uh, which the students start on one side of the field, uh, the, and they run the width of the field, they run over and back and over and then back again.
Jones
Okay. Now some of these...and that's considered one gasser. Right?
Cook
Yes, sir.
Page 19 of 32 Statement: Coach Jason Cook / Case #08197(a) September 19, 2008
Jones
Now you, you stated some of 'em are with, are with, you informed me that some of 'em are not...with, without equipment?
Cook
Uh, uh...no, at this point, at this point the students are in full gear.
Jones
Okay.
Cook
Uh, the students are in full gear...uhm, and then they ran eight in full gear and then uh, they ran two without their helmets, and then they ran two without helmets or shoulder pads.
Jones
Okay. And uh, during the running of gassers, uh, what was your position at the time the team was running gassers?
Cook
Uh, I was lining the field. I was chalking the field.
Jones
Okay. So you did not participate in it.
Cook
Uh, no.
Jones
Okay. and who was participating...what coaches were participating in the running of gassers for the team?
Cook
Uhm, it would have been uh, Coach Stinson...
Jones
...Okay...
Cook
...uh, Coach Donnelly...
Jones
...Okay...
Cook
...uh, Bobby Deacon...Coach Bobby Deacon...
Page 20 of 32 Statement: Coach Jason Cook / Case #08197(a) September 19, 2008
Jones
...Okay...
Cook
...uh, Coach Steve was in the locker-room and Coach Hiser had left. And Coach Lightle was...
Jones
...And...
Cook
...was at uh, was there during the, the period.
Jones
Okay.
Cook
The conditioning period.
Jones
And Lightle, he was on, his position would have been where, as it relates to those gassers?
Cook
Uh, he would have been on the starting line. He would have been where the students start.
Jones
And Coach Donnelly would have been where?
Cook
On the opposite line.
Jones
Uh, Coach Stinson would have been where?
Cook
Was in the middle of the field.
Jones
Okay. And now you said Deacon, are we referring to Bobby or, or Steve?
Cook
Bobby. Bobby, coach Bobby.
Jones
Bobby Deacon would have been where?
Cook
He was, he was on the starting line uhm, walking in, on the starting line with the
Page 21 of 32 Statement: Coach Jason Cook / Case #08197(a) September 19, 2008
freshmen, walking out and then walking back...he was with the freshmen. Jones
Okay. Good. Okay. And how many gassers do you think the team ran?
Cook
Uh, 12.
Jones
And when they're running gassers, do they run 'em altogether or is there like different groups that run 'em?
Cook
There's, there are different groups. Uh, the linemen...the offensive linemen and defensive linemen run in a group...
Jones
...Okay...
Cook
...and then the running backs and defensive backs...
Jones
...Okay...
Cook
...run in a group.
Jones
And how many minutes do you think the team ran gassers?
Cook
Uh, approximately 25.
Jones
Okay. Okay...and at any point, did you see any players become ill?
Cook
Uhm, I noticed one student towards the end uh, vomit.
Jones
And was he a white male player...black male player...
Page 22 of 32 Statement: Coach Jason Cook / Case #08197(a) September 19, 2008
Cook
Uh, African-American male.
Jones
Okay. And you don't know who that player was?
Cook
Uh, no, sir, I do not.
Jones
Okay. And was there another player that got ill or needed some assistance?
Cook
Uhm, there was...after, after...uh, not during the conditioning, no.
Jones
Okay.
Cook
During the conditioning period, no.
Jones
Uh, did a player need an inhaler or anything?
Cook
Yes. Uh, after the uh, after the freshmen uh, Coach Deacon asked me...Coach Bobby Deacon asked me to get uh, Jacob Heeley his inhaler. Uh...
Jones
...Okay...
Cook
...which we have on the practice field with us.
Jones
Okay. And you stated that you didn't know uh, if Max, you didn't know when Max Gilpin became ill?
Cook
Uh, no, sir, I do not.
Jones
On the...
Cook
The only time that I knew that Max uh, had
Page 23 of 32 Statement: Coach Jason Cook / Case #08197(a) September 19, 2008
gotten ill was when I saw him being loaded in to the ambulance. Jones
Okay. Uh, let me back up just, just this last question...
Cook
...Um-hmm...
Jones
...and I'll hand it on to Sgt. Butler. While the team was running gassers or, or...or conditioning...let's say...let's go back before the conditioning. Your uh, you were, you had the offensive line. Correct?
Cook
Yes, sir.
Jones
And, and Max was part of your offensive line...
Cook
...Yes, sir...
Jones
...in one form or another, in one of the teams...
Cook
Um-hmm.
Jones
..did he exhibit any unusual behavior...any illnesses or anything?
Cook
Uh, no, sir. He did not.
Jones
Did he require an excessive amount of water...
Cook
...Uh...
Jones
...did he want water at any time?
Cook
Max never asked me for any additional water besides the breaks that were given...
Page 24 of 32 Statement: Coach Jason Cook / Case #08197(a) September 19, 2008
Jones
...Okay...
Cook
...uh, to the team.
Jones
Okay. And, and Max, as well as the other players, uh, uh...uh, participated in every drill...
Cook
...Yes, sir...
Jones
...up to the gassers...
Cook
...Yes, sir...
Jones
...and the gassers is, is when some players became ill...
Cook
Yes...
Jones
...and you described at least one player needed an inhaler and one needed, he vomited.
Cook
Yes.
Jones
But you didn't personally witness Max becoming ill.
Cook
No, sir, I did not.
Jones
Okay. Uh, I don't have anything else. Sgt. Butler?
Butler
I do. Uh, Denny Butler speaking. 1630, you take a water break...
Cook
...Um-hmm...
Butler
1645 we take a water break...
Page 25 of 32 Statement: Coach Jason Cook / Case #08197(a) September 19, 2008
Cook
...Um-hmm.
Butler
1710.
Cook
Yes.
Butler
Did we take a water break then?
Cook
Uh, that would have been around...sorry...is that 5? (Laughs).
Butler
Yeah. Oh, I'm sorry.
Cook
Sorry about that. (Laughs). Uh, that uh, around, no, we would have taken a water break around 5:20, before...I would have sent...after we did our walk-through period, I would have sent, I sent the kids to go get a water break before the start of team period.
Butler
And would that be seven on seven?
Cook
Uh, that would have been 11 on 11.
Butler
Okay.
Cook
Uh, the offense against the defense.
Butler
Okay. And you and Coach Donnelly are with the offensive/defensive line.
Cook
Uh, yes, sir.
Butler
okay. And at 5:20...
Cook
...Yes...we sent, we...
Butler
...that group? Who sent them?
Page 26 of 32 Statement: Coach Jason Cook / Case #08197(a) September 19, 2008
Cook
Uh, I did.
Butler
Okay.
Cook
I did. I sent...I sent uh, offensive line and defensive uh, to get a water break...
Butler
...Okay...
Cook
...before uh, before the team period began.
Butler
Okay. And Max is offensive tackle...
Cook
Yes, sir.
Butler
Christian Vincent...
Cook
Yes. He is a defensive lineman.
Butler
Okay. Deandré Cole.
Cook
Defensive lineman.
Butler
Okay. Would they have been in the same group that would have taken the break?
Cook
Uh, I believe so, yes. Should have been.
Butler
Okay. You start conditioning, you start chalking the field. Correct?
Cook
Yes, sir.
Butler
And how, ex...where's the chalk kept?
Cook
It's the uhm, the...I get the chalk out of the shed.
Page 27 of 32 Statement: Coach Jason Cook / Case #08197(a) September 19, 2008
Butler
Okay.
Cook
Uh, the...and it's just a walk spray-paint uh, sprayer and I am chalking the field. I'm lining the field as the, during the conditioning period.
Butler
The outer perimeter or no?
Cook
Uh, the outer perimeter and the, the lines.
Butler
Okay.
Cook
The, the yard markers.
Butler
In the conditioning?
Cook
Yes.
Butler
Who's counting the number of gassers?
Cook
Uh, that would be Coach Stinson.
Butler
Okay. How, do you personally know that they ran 12?
Cook
Uh, I've got a...uh, yes.
Butler
How do, how do you know that?
Cook
Uh, I took a, I can't say for sure that they ran 12. Uh, but...
Butler
...Your focus is lining the field.
Cook
Uh, my focus is lining the field. Yes, sir.
Butler
Okay. Uh, you see a player get sick...
Page 28 of 32 Statement: Coach Jason Cook / Case #08197(a) September 19, 2008
Cook
...Yes...
Butler
...who, who's with that player?
Cook
Uhm, at this point, uh, at this point I see the, the player get sick and uhm, that is at the end of, at the end of the conditioning period.
Butler
Okay.
Cook
When the, when the player got sick. then...
Butler
But you're still lining...
Cook
...Yes, sir...
Butler
...the field.
Cook
Yes, sir.
Butler
Was anybody attending to that...
Cook
...I cannot...
Butler
...sick player?
Cook
...I cannot say. I cannot say.
Butler
Was Coach Stinson aware that player was sick?
Cook
I believe he was. Yes.
Butler
Well, why do you think that?
Cook
I, I don't know, I would assume that he would, I don't know.
And
Page 29 of 32 Statement: Coach Jason Cook / Case #08197(a) September 19, 2008
Butler
Okay. Coach Donnelly aware?
Cook
Uh, I couldn't say.
Butler
Coach Lightle?
Cook
I could not say.
Butler
Okay. Uh, in the field you've got the soccer side of the field...
Cook
Yes, sir...
Butler
...and you got the, and that's where they're starting from.
Cook
Yes.
Butler
Running the conditioning.
Cook
Yes.
Butler
Coach Stinson is located where? At the center of the field?
Cook
In the center of the field.
Butler
Coach Donnelly is on the...
Cook
...on the opposite side...
Butler
...opposite side...
Cook
...Yes, sir...
Butler
...and Coach Lightle is where?
Page 30 of 32 Statement: Coach Jason Cook / Case #08197(a) September 19, 2008
Cook
Is on the...on the sou...on the starting side.
Butler
Do you know which end?
Cook
Uh, I wanna say kinda in the middle, but closer towards...'cause here are the freshmen and then the varsity, and I think he's between the freshmen and the varsity.
Butler
Okay. You're chalking the field...
Cook
Yes.
Butler
At some point Coach Bobby Deacon comes to you and says...
Cook
...Af, this is after, after uh, when I am taking the chalker back to the shed...he asks me to get uh, an inhaler for Jacob Heeley.
Butler
Okay. Do you know Antonio Calloway?
Cook
Uh, yes, I do.
Butler
Was he ill at any point?
Cook
Uh, I did not see Antonio get ill.
Butler
Okay.
Cook
Uh...
Butler
...Or was he being attended to by any of the coaches?
Cook
Uh, I can...I did not see it.
Butler
Okay. Uh, do you know of any other player
Page 31 of 32 Statement: Coach Jason Cook / Case #08197(a) September 19, 2008
that was being attended to by any coaches, like...like Coach Bobby's workin' with Heeley, the freshman. Cook
Um-hmm.
Butler
Were any of the other coaches attending to any players?
Cook
Uhm, I would assume that at this point, once the conditioning is over with uhm, I would assume that the coaches have...are with Max. I was not with Max. I did not see Max go, I did not see Max collapse, uh, so I do not, I could not answer that, on what I saw.
Butler
That's all the questions I have.
Jones
I've just got one quick one. Uh, during the course of the uh, the conditioning again, uh, you said they're not timed. Correct?
Cook
No.
Jones
Uh, and the team has an agenda to follow and, and...
Cook
Yes.
Jones
Was this considered a good practice or bad practice that day?
Cook
...Uh, this...this would have been considered a, not very good practice.
Jones
Okay. And that's the reason why the conditioning started early.
Page 32 of 32 Statement: Coach Jason Cook / Case #08197(a) September 19, 2008
Cook
Uh, I would assume, yes.
Jones
And, and the conditioning was much earlier than a normal practice?
Cook
Uh, yes.
Jones
Okay. Okay...uh, I don't have anything else. Uh, Sgt. Butler, follow-up?
Butler
I do not.
Jones
Uh, Coach Cook, if there's, if there's anything we didn't ask you, anything else important that we didn't cover, anything you wanna add?
Cook
Uh, no, sir.
Jones
Okay. Uh, Mr. Miller?
Miller
No, I have nothing.
Jones
Okay. I thank you for your time, Coach Cook. And we'll go off record. The time now is 9:57.
END OF STATEMENT File #08197ajones-ks
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