Deacon, Robert Coach
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September 18, 2008
Today’s date is 18th, 2008, time now is 1819 hours. My name is Detective Terry Jones, my Code Number is 3, 6354. This interview pertains to Case File #08-197 uh, it is, it is a death investigation involving victim Max Gilpin. Uh, that occurred uh, this investigation is, is stemming from an August 20th, 2008 practice. Uh, while at PRP High School. This interview is being conducted at 5306 Veil Vista Drive. Uh, and this interview is of Mr. Robert Deacon.
Jones
At this time Mr. Deacon can you identify yourself?
Deacon
Yes, Robert M. Deacon, III.
Jones
And, your date of birth?
Deacon Jones
And, address?
Deacon
5306 Vell Vista Drive.
Jones
And, phone number?
Deacon Jones
Are you aware this interview is being taped?
Deacon
Yes, sir.
Jones
Does it meet with your approval?
Page 2 of 16 Statement: Robert Deacon / Case #08197(n) September 18, 2008
Deacon
Yes, sir.
Jones
Okay. At this time uh, as, as, as I stated before this is in relationship to Max Gilpin. Uh, player at PRP High School uh, football player. On August 20th, 2008 uh, can you describe the events uh, in which you were involved in. In the practice at this uh, place?
Deacon
Uh, yes uh, I left the uh, locker room around 3:50 or so. Walked over to the field, and upon my arrival went to the practice field. I uh, notices uh, everyday uh, kids underneath the tree. Some kids over at the water uhm, gettin' water and walking back over to the tree. And, some gettin’ uh, the field ready for practice. Uhm, I’m around there waiting for the rest of the team to get out them. Study hall or weight lifting, and we s…, assumed practice about 4:30. Coach Cook uh, took the team.
Dog barking… Deacon
Through the team stretches. And, uh, after team stretches we went through team take off period.
Jones
Okay. Uh, Coach let me interrupt you for a second. What was your uh, are you the, what is your position uh, as it relates to PRP football?
Deacon
Okay. I’m a head freshman coach, and I coach varsity running backs.
Jones
Okay, okay. And, continue so uh, leading up to the uhm, film and, and study hall. You said you; you finally got on the field at what time?
Deacon
Probably around 4:30 is when the team took, every…, everybody took the field together as a
Page 3 of 16 Statement: Robert Deacon / Case #08197(n) September 18, 2008
unit. Jones
Okay.
Dog barking… Jones
And, what consisted of practicing on the field, the practice field?
Deacon
Okay. Uhm, first 15, 20 minutes or so they go through a team stretch and warm out. Okay, then we end up into the team take off period.
Jones
Okay.
Deacon
Okay. Team take off period is an individual group for offense and defense. Which consist of the varsity, JV, and freshmen team running through a series of plays? One play each, each team runs the same play. And, offense will run a play and defense will be on the line, run a play. And, we alternate back and forth until the 6 teams are done. And, then uh, we’ll meet together after about 10 plays. We’ll meet together for a, a group breakdown. Then we break up and in individual group.
Jones
Okay. At the, and is there a water period between this time period?
Deacon
Uh, no they did not get water that they, at, at that period. Uhm, they just get the water break at the individual period.
Jones
Okay. And, so when you went to the uh, to the group. You said you, you was in charge of your particular group?
Deacon
Right, the varsity running backs and actually I
Page 4 of 16 Statement: Robert Deacon / Case #08197(n) September 18, 2008
have all the running backs, freshmen, JV and varsity. Jones
Okay.
Deacon
Uh, we’d gone through a brief uh, simple handoff drill, and a simple uh, angle drill. Which probably lasted 5 to 10 minutes tops.
Jones
Um-hum.
Deacon
And, at that point and time I gave ‘em an unscheduled water break.
Jones
Okay. And, what time was your unscheduled water break if, if you can recall?
Deacon
Oh, it was probably uh, 1645 or so.
Jones
Okay, all right.
Deacon
Okay.
Jones
And.
Deacon
And, then uh, after that they, they returned and we hooked up with the offensive linemen. And, ran a uh, what we call a buck drill.
Jones
Okay.
Deacon
Which is uh, a uh, technique for uh, it’s actually a play.
Jones
Um-hum.
Deacon
And, we run, the running backs do a blocking, blocking scheme. And, the whole lines work on their blocking techniques also. Along with the
Page 5 of 16 Statement: Robert Deacon / Case #08197(n) September 18, 2008
backs gettin’ the ball run, could making proper cuts. We run that for about uh, 5 or 10 minutes. And, kids are goofing off and acting up. So, Coach uh, Cook sent ‘em to an unscheduled water break at that time. Jones
Okay.
Deacon
And, uh.
Jones
As a group?
Deacon
As a group.
Jones
Okay.
Deacon
Sent the whole group over there, so they go over, come back. And, uh, we run the drill for another 5 or 10 minutes or so. And, at that point and time we had a scheduled water break, which was about 20 after.
Jones
Twenty after?
Deacon
Five.
Jones
Okay.
Deacon
And.
Jones
At 5:20 that’s when the.
Deacon
Well?
Jones
Uh, schedule water break as a team?
Deacon
Right.
Jones
Okay.
Page 6 of 16 Statement: Robert Deacon / Case #08197(n) September 18, 2008
Deacon
And, uh, so we sent them over to water and the whole team was over at water at that point and time.
Jones
Okay.
Deacon
Uh, on the way back the, Coach Stinson called the team to the line. I looked down at my cell phone to note the time. ‘Cause, I thought we, I knew we hadn’t gone through uh, team or 7 on 7 session yet.
Jones
Okay.
Deacon
So, I was kind of uh, wondering what time was early, was time gettin' away from me or what. But, my uh, cell phone said it was uh; 5:25, and we went to uh. Went to the line to start running gassers, at that point.
Jones
Okay. And, as a team?
Deacon
Right.
Jones
And, everyone was kinda lined up along the uh, s…, the side lines?
Deacon
Right. We had big guys and we had the little guys on the line. So, we run the big guys first uh, we run a gasser, which is over and back, over and back. Takes them between 50 to 75 seconds, so maybe one or two of ‘em even longer than that. And, uh, the other guys are resting while that teams running. Then we’ll start the little guys and run them over and back. And, takes them generally around 60 seconds or so to run that. So, the big guys are resting while the little guys are running. So, there’s
Page 7 of 16 Statement: Robert Deacon / Case #08197(n) September 18, 2008
every, every other minute, or every minute or so. You’ve got another minute, minute and a half rest. Jones
So, there’s.
Deacon
In between each, each gasser.
Jones
Now, describe to me the gassers are they running the width of the field, or the length of the field?
Deacon
They’re running the width of the field.
Jones
Width of the field.
Deacon
Okay.
Jones
And, gassers is, is up back, up back, up back?
Deacon
Up, up back up, uh, that’s two gassers, over back over and back is considered one gasser.
Jones
Okay. And, how long how m…, how many you think the team ran at that point?
Deacon
I, I, I really don’t know for the uh, total number. I’d say between 10 and 12.
Jones
Okay. And, and you were in charge of the freshmen at that time?
Deacon
I had the freshmen.
Jones
And.
Deacon
My freshmen didn’t run the exact same number that the varsity did.
Page 8 of 16 Statement: Robert Deacon / Case #08197(n) September 18, 2008
Jones
Okay. Now, was equipment allowed to be removed during.
Deacon
Yes.
Jones
The course of, of a few gassers?
Deacon
Yes.
Jones
Okay.
Deacon
And, uh, they ran uh, I’d say 4 to 6 gassers and they started stripping equipment. At that time I’d already pulled one, one out for uh. One freshman out who was struggling due to asthma. He has breathing problems and he l…, I pulled him off and excused him. And, let him get water.
Jones
Okay.
Deacon
Uhm, I had a couple of others that were uh, pulled off. Uh, during uh up downs because they wasn’t.
Jones
Okay.
Deacon
Doing the conditioning real properly.
Jones
Okay.
Deacon
They were doing them at their own pace, I was supervising them and the freshmen also.
Jones
Okay.
Deacon
And, then we uh, I started pulling my freshmen off early as, they’re not strong as the other kids are. So, I pulled them out a little bit early. And,
Page 9 of 16 Statement: Robert Deacon / Case #08197(n) September 18, 2008
I dismissed them to water. Jones
And, did, did you see any players become ill at any point?
Deacon
Uh, I did not notice anyone ill uh, other than the ones that I had excused from my practice. Or, or the one and then Coach Donnelly brought it to my attention that. For me to check on Calloway, since I had my freshmen finished.
Jones
It would that be Anton…, would that Anton.
Deacon
Uh, Antwon…, Ant…, Antonio Calloway?
Jones
Right.
Deacon
And, when I observed him he was sitting on the, the uhm, bleachers underneath the tree. And, he appeared to be hyper ventilating.
Jones
Okay.
Deacon
So, I walked over to him, grabbed his hands, had him focus on me. Helped him get his breathing under control, my brother was there. And, uh, they were placing ice on his shoulders trying to cool him down. And, help him with his breathing.
Jones
Okay. Your brother is, is?
Deacon
Steve.
Jones
Steve.
Deacon
Steve Deacon.
Page 10 of 16 Statement: Robert Deacon / Case #08197(n) September 18, 2008
Jones
Steve, okay.
Deacon
And, uh, he uh, he seemed to be getting everything under control. At that point and time uh, I got up, I walked over to start to check on the other.
Jones
Okay.
Deacon
Other kids and uh (inaudible)…, go ahead.
Jones
Do you recall Max Gilpin becoming ill?
Deacon
No, Max was at the other end of the field, and I didn’t observe Max running or doing anything at all.
Jones
But, at some point you were, you were, it was brought to your attention that he needed?
Deacon
Right, right. When I observed Max that’s when I was walking away. And, the first time that I had saw Max. He was being placed on a gator by our Assistance Athletic Director Mr. Bobb, or Athletic Director Craig Webb. And, uhm, Mr. Keown a parent, and then my brother had had uh, Steve. My brother Steve had had Calloway on the back of the gator. Uhm, gettin' ready to take them to water. And, at that point and time all the kids had been dispersed from the running. Or, were meeting for a team meeting over by the tree. And, were starting to surround the gator to check on Max. So, my focus was breaking up them so we could get the gator outa there.
Jones
Okay.
Deacon
To get him to the water and get him air.
Page 11 of 16 Statement: Robert Deacon / Case #08197(n) September 18, 2008
Jones
Okay. Were the, were the players uh, did any players try to walk over to the water area?
Deacon
Uhm, after uhm, Max had been driven off, we were gathering for a team meeting. There was 4 or 5 kids that had walked over towards the water. And, at that point and time Coach Stinson had yelled for them to come back to the team meeting, and.
Jones
And, and the team meeting is at the end of all the drills?
Deacon
At the end, it’s at the end of every practice, every drill, every running event, conditioning? All that we meet there everyday.
Jones
Now, is this something the players know?
Deacon
Yes.
Jones
That take place after the running?
Deacon
Yes.
Jones
And, for uh, which had or had broke away to try to, to walk to a water break?
Deacon
Walk toward a water break uh-huh.
Jones
Okay. But, the team meeting had not taken place yet?
Deacon
Had not taken place yet.
Jones
Okay. Uh, did you see of other players in distress, or anybody in need of assistance?
Page 12 of 16 Statement: Robert Deacon / Case #08197(n) September 18, 2008
Deacon
No.
Jones
Okay. Uh, now describe the gassers, they were ran by a s…, a, a single line, correct?
Deacon
Correct.
Jones
And, how many players on the roster?
Deacon
Uh, there’s about a 101, 102 I believe in a roster. So, you’ll have approximately 50 kids on a line? While the other 50 kids are running.
Jones
So, obviously everyone can’t run the gassers at the same time?
Deacon
Right, they can’t run the gassers at the same time. There’s a break given and that line is lined up between the soccer field, and the kids that are running.
Jones
Okay. Was anything else taking place at this time?
Deacon
There was a soccer game going on.
Jones
A soccer game was going on, and obviously there were parents and spectators watching the soccer game, correct?
Deacon
Yes.
Jones
Okay. And, some of which could’ve heard or seen segments of what was going on, taking place on the practice field, correct?
Deacon
Segments.
Jones
Okay, okay. Uh, is there anything else I didn’t
Page 13 of 16 Statement: Robert Deacon / Case #08197(n) September 18, 2008
ask you, anything else important? Deacon
No.
Jones
I think we’ve covered everything, but if, if. Let me check my notes here real quick. Now, when you said that when the end of the gassers are ran. Who calls the team who, who does that the head coach?
Deacon
Coach Stinson, yes.
Jones
And, he blows the whistle and everybody, e…, everything ended and.
Deacon
Uh, he’ll just call, he’ll just say everybody up.. You know he should blow the whistle, he’ll holler and say everybody up.
Jones
Okay.
Deacon
You know.
Jones
Okay.
Deacon
We’ll, we’ll meet uh.
Jones
Okay. And, you, you stated you never saw Max become ill, only at the time that he was on the uh, water board.
Deacon
On the gator.
Jones
I mean on the uh, gator?
Deacon
Yes. That was the first time I saw Max was on the gator. And, never saw him uh, struggling during practice, or or anybody making mention of him or anything like that.
Page 14 of 16 Statement: Robert Deacon / Case #08197(n) September 18, 2008
Jones
Okay, okay. And, EMS was uh, called by, by whom?
Deacon
I believe my brother was the one that called EMS, Steve Deacon.
Jones
Okay, okay.
Deacon
And, uh.
Jones
Okay, and is there anything else I didn’t cover?
Deacon
Uh, no the only thing that I would like to add is that uh. It’s been addressed uh, through my nephew was stated that. Uh, he, he, he informed my brother that he, that Max was taking Creatin.
Jones
Okay. Now, who’s your, your nephew?
Deacon
Uh, Zach Deacon.
Jones
Zach Deacon?
Deacon
Uh-huh, which concerns me, due to the fact of the dehydration? That Creatin can cause if it’s not administered properly.
Jones
And, you just, you had just heard (inaudible)…
Deacon
Right, that was, that was a hearsay thing, none of the coaching staff was aware of it. And, uh, I certainly wasn’t aware of it. And, I, I just want that to be known that uh.
Jones
Okay. But, that was brought to your attention.
Deacon
That was brought to my attention.
Page 15 of 16 Statement: Robert Deacon / Case #08197(n) September 18, 2008
Jones
Okay. Uh, and you said you’re familiar with Creation?
Deacon
Yes, sir.
Jones
And, how uh, and how does Creatin affect you?
Deacon
Well, I know that it takes some of the water cells out of your uh, system. And, places it into your muscles. So, if you’re not properly hydrated it will de…, cause you dehydration problems.
Jones
Okay, okay. Uh, Coach Deacon is there anything else I didn’t ask you. Anything else important that we didn’t cover?
Deacon
Uh, not that I’m aware of.
Jones
Okay. I don’t know I’ve have, have anything else. I believe we’ve covered everything uh, let me. I’ll just follow with this. Uh, did you ever witness any players, players being denied water specifically if they needed water, they got it. But, that did you, can you tell me if you ever saw any players denied water?
Deacon
No, sir.
Jones
Okay. And, this is the, the one the 4 that you saw walk off to the water? They actually had had not participated in the team meeting?
Deacon
Correct.
Jones
Attend the practice?
Page 16 of 16 Statement: Robert Deacon / Case #08197(n) September 18, 2008
Deacon
Correct.
Jones
‘Cause, coach called them back over for the final team meeting?
Deacon
Team meeting, correct.
Jones
Okay. And, then in your opinion and you, tell me in your own words. That the coach didn’t deny water, he just told ‘em to get back to the, to the team meeting?
Deacon
Correct, is the way I understood, yes.
Jones
Okay, okay. All right, is there anything else that I, I didn’t ask? Anything else important you wanna cover before we go off record?
Deacon
Uh, no sir.
Jones
Okay. All right, and at this time we will go off record. Time now is 1834 hours.
END OF STATEMENT File #08197njones-dl
Today’s date is 18th, 2008, time now is 1819 hours. My name is Detective Terry Jones, my Code Number is 3, 6354. This interview pertains to Case File #08-197 uh, it is, it is a death investigation involving victim Max Gilpin. Uh, that occurred uh, this investigation is, is stemming from an August 20th, 2008 practice. Uh, while at PRP High School. This interview is being conducted at 5306 Veil Vista Drive. Uh, and this interview is of Mr. Robert Deacon.
Jones
At this time Mr. Deacon can you identify yourself?
Deacon
Yes, Robert M. Deacon, III.
Jones
And, your date of birth?
Deacon Jones
And, address?
Deacon
5306 Vell Vista Drive.
Jones
And, phone number?
Deacon Jones
Are you aware this interview is being taped?
Deacon
Yes, sir.
Jones
Does it meet with your approval?
Page 2 of 16 Statement: Robert Deacon / Case #08197(n) September 18, 2008
Deacon
Yes, sir.
Jones
Okay. At this time uh, as, as, as I stated before this is in relationship to Max Gilpin. Uh, player at PRP High School uh, football player. On August 20th, 2008 uh, can you describe the events uh, in which you were involved in. In the practice at this uh, place?
Deacon
Uh, yes uh, I left the uh, locker room around 3:50 or so. Walked over to the field, and upon my arrival went to the practice field. I uh, notices uh, everyday uh, kids underneath the tree. Some kids over at the water uhm, gettin' water and walking back over to the tree. And, some gettin’ uh, the field ready for practice. Uhm, I’m around there waiting for the rest of the team to get out them. Study hall or weight lifting, and we s…, assumed practice about 4:30. Coach Cook uh, took the team.
Dog barking… Deacon
Through the team stretches. And, uh, after team stretches we went through team take off period.
Jones
Okay. Uh, Coach let me interrupt you for a second. What was your uh, are you the, what is your position uh, as it relates to PRP football?
Deacon
Okay. I’m a head freshman coach, and I coach varsity running backs.
Jones
Okay, okay. And, continue so uh, leading up to the uhm, film and, and study hall. You said you; you finally got on the field at what time?
Deacon
Probably around 4:30 is when the team took, every…, everybody took the field together as a
Page 3 of 16 Statement: Robert Deacon / Case #08197(n) September 18, 2008
unit. Jones
Okay.
Dog barking… Jones
And, what consisted of practicing on the field, the practice field?
Deacon
Okay. Uhm, first 15, 20 minutes or so they go through a team stretch and warm out. Okay, then we end up into the team take off period.
Jones
Okay.
Deacon
Okay. Team take off period is an individual group for offense and defense. Which consist of the varsity, JV, and freshmen team running through a series of plays? One play each, each team runs the same play. And, offense will run a play and defense will be on the line, run a play. And, we alternate back and forth until the 6 teams are done. And, then uh, we’ll meet together after about 10 plays. We’ll meet together for a, a group breakdown. Then we break up and in individual group.
Jones
Okay. At the, and is there a water period between this time period?
Deacon
Uh, no they did not get water that they, at, at that period. Uhm, they just get the water break at the individual period.
Jones
Okay. And, so when you went to the uh, to the group. You said you, you was in charge of your particular group?
Deacon
Right, the varsity running backs and actually I
Page 4 of 16 Statement: Robert Deacon / Case #08197(n) September 18, 2008
have all the running backs, freshmen, JV and varsity. Jones
Okay.
Deacon
Uh, we’d gone through a brief uh, simple handoff drill, and a simple uh, angle drill. Which probably lasted 5 to 10 minutes tops.
Jones
Um-hum.
Deacon
And, at that point and time I gave ‘em an unscheduled water break.
Jones
Okay. And, what time was your unscheduled water break if, if you can recall?
Deacon
Oh, it was probably uh, 1645 or so.
Jones
Okay, all right.
Deacon
Okay.
Jones
And.
Deacon
And, then uh, after that they, they returned and we hooked up with the offensive linemen. And, ran a uh, what we call a buck drill.
Jones
Okay.
Deacon
Which is uh, a uh, technique for uh, it’s actually a play.
Jones
Um-hum.
Deacon
And, we run, the running backs do a blocking, blocking scheme. And, the whole lines work on their blocking techniques also. Along with the
Page 5 of 16 Statement: Robert Deacon / Case #08197(n) September 18, 2008
backs gettin’ the ball run, could making proper cuts. We run that for about uh, 5 or 10 minutes. And, kids are goofing off and acting up. So, Coach uh, Cook sent ‘em to an unscheduled water break at that time. Jones
Okay.
Deacon
And, uh.
Jones
As a group?
Deacon
As a group.
Jones
Okay.
Deacon
Sent the whole group over there, so they go over, come back. And, uh, we run the drill for another 5 or 10 minutes or so. And, at that point and time we had a scheduled water break, which was about 20 after.
Jones
Twenty after?
Deacon
Five.
Jones
Okay.
Deacon
And.
Jones
At 5:20 that’s when the.
Deacon
Well?
Jones
Uh, schedule water break as a team?
Deacon
Right.
Jones
Okay.
Page 6 of 16 Statement: Robert Deacon / Case #08197(n) September 18, 2008
Deacon
And, uh, so we sent them over to water and the whole team was over at water at that point and time.
Jones
Okay.
Deacon
Uh, on the way back the, Coach Stinson called the team to the line. I looked down at my cell phone to note the time. ‘Cause, I thought we, I knew we hadn’t gone through uh, team or 7 on 7 session yet.
Jones
Okay.
Deacon
So, I was kind of uh, wondering what time was early, was time gettin' away from me or what. But, my uh, cell phone said it was uh; 5:25, and we went to uh. Went to the line to start running gassers, at that point.
Jones
Okay. And, as a team?
Deacon
Right.
Jones
And, everyone was kinda lined up along the uh, s…, the side lines?
Deacon
Right. We had big guys and we had the little guys on the line. So, we run the big guys first uh, we run a gasser, which is over and back, over and back. Takes them between 50 to 75 seconds, so maybe one or two of ‘em even longer than that. And, uh, the other guys are resting while that teams running. Then we’ll start the little guys and run them over and back. And, takes them generally around 60 seconds or so to run that. So, the big guys are resting while the little guys are running. So, there’s
Page 7 of 16 Statement: Robert Deacon / Case #08197(n) September 18, 2008
every, every other minute, or every minute or so. You’ve got another minute, minute and a half rest. Jones
So, there’s.
Deacon
In between each, each gasser.
Jones
Now, describe to me the gassers are they running the width of the field, or the length of the field?
Deacon
They’re running the width of the field.
Jones
Width of the field.
Deacon
Okay.
Jones
And, gassers is, is up back, up back, up back?
Deacon
Up, up back up, uh, that’s two gassers, over back over and back is considered one gasser.
Jones
Okay. And, how long how m…, how many you think the team ran at that point?
Deacon
I, I, I really don’t know for the uh, total number. I’d say between 10 and 12.
Jones
Okay. And, and you were in charge of the freshmen at that time?
Deacon
I had the freshmen.
Jones
And.
Deacon
My freshmen didn’t run the exact same number that the varsity did.
Page 8 of 16 Statement: Robert Deacon / Case #08197(n) September 18, 2008
Jones
Okay. Now, was equipment allowed to be removed during.
Deacon
Yes.
Jones
The course of, of a few gassers?
Deacon
Yes.
Jones
Okay.
Deacon
And, uh, they ran uh, I’d say 4 to 6 gassers and they started stripping equipment. At that time I’d already pulled one, one out for uh. One freshman out who was struggling due to asthma. He has breathing problems and he l…, I pulled him off and excused him. And, let him get water.
Jones
Okay.
Deacon
Uhm, I had a couple of others that were uh, pulled off. Uh, during uh up downs because they wasn’t.
Jones
Okay.
Deacon
Doing the conditioning real properly.
Jones
Okay.
Deacon
They were doing them at their own pace, I was supervising them and the freshmen also.
Jones
Okay.
Deacon
And, then we uh, I started pulling my freshmen off early as, they’re not strong as the other kids are. So, I pulled them out a little bit early. And,
Page 9 of 16 Statement: Robert Deacon / Case #08197(n) September 18, 2008
I dismissed them to water. Jones
And, did, did you see any players become ill at any point?
Deacon
Uh, I did not notice anyone ill uh, other than the ones that I had excused from my practice. Or, or the one and then Coach Donnelly brought it to my attention that. For me to check on Calloway, since I had my freshmen finished.
Jones
It would that be Anton…, would that Anton.
Deacon
Uh, Antwon…, Ant…, Antonio Calloway?
Jones
Right.
Deacon
And, when I observed him he was sitting on the, the uhm, bleachers underneath the tree. And, he appeared to be hyper ventilating.
Jones
Okay.
Deacon
So, I walked over to him, grabbed his hands, had him focus on me. Helped him get his breathing under control, my brother was there. And, uh, they were placing ice on his shoulders trying to cool him down. And, help him with his breathing.
Jones
Okay. Your brother is, is?
Deacon
Steve.
Jones
Steve.
Deacon
Steve Deacon.
Page 10 of 16 Statement: Robert Deacon / Case #08197(n) September 18, 2008
Jones
Steve, okay.
Deacon
And, uh, he uh, he seemed to be getting everything under control. At that point and time uh, I got up, I walked over to start to check on the other.
Jones
Okay.
Deacon
Other kids and uh (inaudible)…, go ahead.
Jones
Do you recall Max Gilpin becoming ill?
Deacon
No, Max was at the other end of the field, and I didn’t observe Max running or doing anything at all.
Jones
But, at some point you were, you were, it was brought to your attention that he needed?
Deacon
Right, right. When I observed Max that’s when I was walking away. And, the first time that I had saw Max. He was being placed on a gator by our Assistance Athletic Director Mr. Bobb, or Athletic Director Craig Webb. And, uhm, Mr. Keown a parent, and then my brother had had uh, Steve. My brother Steve had had Calloway on the back of the gator. Uhm, gettin' ready to take them to water. And, at that point and time all the kids had been dispersed from the running. Or, were meeting for a team meeting over by the tree. And, were starting to surround the gator to check on Max. So, my focus was breaking up them so we could get the gator outa there.
Jones
Okay.
Deacon
To get him to the water and get him air.
Page 11 of 16 Statement: Robert Deacon / Case #08197(n) September 18, 2008
Jones
Okay. Were the, were the players uh, did any players try to walk over to the water area?
Deacon
Uhm, after uhm, Max had been driven off, we were gathering for a team meeting. There was 4 or 5 kids that had walked over towards the water. And, at that point and time Coach Stinson had yelled for them to come back to the team meeting, and.
Jones
And, and the team meeting is at the end of all the drills?
Deacon
At the end, it’s at the end of every practice, every drill, every running event, conditioning? All that we meet there everyday.
Jones
Now, is this something the players know?
Deacon
Yes.
Jones
That take place after the running?
Deacon
Yes.
Jones
And, for uh, which had or had broke away to try to, to walk to a water break?
Deacon
Walk toward a water break uh-huh.
Jones
Okay. But, the team meeting had not taken place yet?
Deacon
Had not taken place yet.
Jones
Okay. Uh, did you see of other players in distress, or anybody in need of assistance?
Page 12 of 16 Statement: Robert Deacon / Case #08197(n) September 18, 2008
Deacon
No.
Jones
Okay. Uh, now describe the gassers, they were ran by a s…, a, a single line, correct?
Deacon
Correct.
Jones
And, how many players on the roster?
Deacon
Uh, there’s about a 101, 102 I believe in a roster. So, you’ll have approximately 50 kids on a line? While the other 50 kids are running.
Jones
So, obviously everyone can’t run the gassers at the same time?
Deacon
Right, they can’t run the gassers at the same time. There’s a break given and that line is lined up between the soccer field, and the kids that are running.
Jones
Okay. Was anything else taking place at this time?
Deacon
There was a soccer game going on.
Jones
A soccer game was going on, and obviously there were parents and spectators watching the soccer game, correct?
Deacon
Yes.
Jones
Okay. And, some of which could’ve heard or seen segments of what was going on, taking place on the practice field, correct?
Deacon
Segments.
Jones
Okay, okay. Uh, is there anything else I didn’t
Page 13 of 16 Statement: Robert Deacon / Case #08197(n) September 18, 2008
ask you, anything else important? Deacon
No.
Jones
I think we’ve covered everything, but if, if. Let me check my notes here real quick. Now, when you said that when the end of the gassers are ran. Who calls the team who, who does that the head coach?
Deacon
Coach Stinson, yes.
Jones
And, he blows the whistle and everybody, e…, everything ended and.
Deacon
Uh, he’ll just call, he’ll just say everybody up.. You know he should blow the whistle, he’ll holler and say everybody up.
Jones
Okay.
Deacon
You know.
Jones
Okay.
Deacon
We’ll, we’ll meet uh.
Jones
Okay. And, you, you stated you never saw Max become ill, only at the time that he was on the uh, water board.
Deacon
On the gator.
Jones
I mean on the uh, gator?
Deacon
Yes. That was the first time I saw Max was on the gator. And, never saw him uh, struggling during practice, or or anybody making mention of him or anything like that.
Page 14 of 16 Statement: Robert Deacon / Case #08197(n) September 18, 2008
Jones
Okay, okay. And, EMS was uh, called by, by whom?
Deacon
I believe my brother was the one that called EMS, Steve Deacon.
Jones
Okay, okay.
Deacon
And, uh.
Jones
Okay, and is there anything else I didn’t cover?
Deacon
Uh, no the only thing that I would like to add is that uh. It’s been addressed uh, through my nephew was stated that. Uh, he, he, he informed my brother that he, that Max was taking Creatin.
Jones
Okay. Now, who’s your, your nephew?
Deacon
Uh, Zach Deacon.
Jones
Zach Deacon?
Deacon
Uh-huh, which concerns me, due to the fact of the dehydration? That Creatin can cause if it’s not administered properly.
Jones
And, you just, you had just heard (inaudible)…
Deacon
Right, that was, that was a hearsay thing, none of the coaching staff was aware of it. And, uh, I certainly wasn’t aware of it. And, I, I just want that to be known that uh.
Jones
Okay. But, that was brought to your attention.
Deacon
That was brought to my attention.
Page 15 of 16 Statement: Robert Deacon / Case #08197(n) September 18, 2008
Jones
Okay. Uh, and you said you’re familiar with Creation?
Deacon
Yes, sir.
Jones
And, how uh, and how does Creatin affect you?
Deacon
Well, I know that it takes some of the water cells out of your uh, system. And, places it into your muscles. So, if you’re not properly hydrated it will de…, cause you dehydration problems.
Jones
Okay, okay. Uh, Coach Deacon is there anything else I didn’t ask you. Anything else important that we didn’t cover?
Deacon
Uh, not that I’m aware of.
Jones
Okay. I don’t know I’ve have, have anything else. I believe we’ve covered everything uh, let me. I’ll just follow with this. Uh, did you ever witness any players, players being denied water specifically if they needed water, they got it. But, that did you, can you tell me if you ever saw any players denied water?
Deacon
No, sir.
Jones
Okay. And, this is the, the one the 4 that you saw walk off to the water? They actually had had not participated in the team meeting?
Deacon
Correct.
Jones
Attend the practice?
Page 16 of 16 Statement: Robert Deacon / Case #08197(n) September 18, 2008
Deacon
Correct.
Jones
‘Cause, coach called them back over for the final team meeting?
Deacon
Team meeting, correct.
Jones
Okay. And, then in your opinion and you, tell me in your own words. That the coach didn’t deny water, he just told ‘em to get back to the, to the team meeting?
Deacon
Correct, is the way I understood, yes.
Jones
Okay, okay. All right, is there anything else that I, I didn’t ask? Anything else important you wanna cover before we go off record?
Deacon
Uh, no sir.
Jones
Okay. All right, and at this time we will go off record. Time now is 1834 hours.
END OF STATEMENT File #08197njones-dl
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