[deleted]

This is tragic. Hopefully this is the bottom for this beloved Aggie and he can start to get his life back together. Mental health challenges on top of possibly poor pain med management and substance abuse are a tough combination.

I thought he was a great color analyst a few years ago. Hoping to see a redemption arc come out of this.

He also had a legal issue regarding an incident with his wife a while back. He obviously needs some help and intervention.

Sad situation for Kevin. I loved watching him play. He was so funny to listen to while doing the analyst role with Scotty for a year. Hopefully he can get his going in a better direction.

I don’t know Kevin personally but I’ve chatted with his grandparents; he’s got a good family support system, and he seems like a good guy struggling with some large demons. I hope his loved ones can reach him and convince him to get the help that he needs. I echo others in that I loved him on the radio and on podcasts I’ve heard him on.

Kevin has had a lot of support (more than almost anyone I know) and keeps making worse and worse decisions.

All of us, the older we get, the more we have to face the consequences of our actions. When we are young our family and friends can help us get through.

But as we get older the more the burden is on. At some point though if a decision is bad enough, people simply cannot help us even when they would do anything to help us. Those closest to us may also be going through their own personal issues making them less able to carry the emotional baggage they once were able to.

I don't know what the help Kevin needs would look like anymore. I just hope he can overcome the demons and find joy again.

CTE.

Ahbye wrote: ↑

January 31st, 2024, 7:56 pm

CTE.

I was afraid this would come up.

Imakeitrain wrote: ↑

January 31st, 2024, 7:51 pm

Kevin has had a lot of support (more than almost anyone I know) and keeps making worse and worse decisions.

All of us, the older we get, the more we have to face the consequences of our actions. When we are young our family and friends can help us get through.

But as we get older the more the burden is on. At some point though if a decision is bad enough, people simply cannot help us even when they would do anything to help us. Those closest to us may also be going through their own personal issues making them less able to carry the emotional baggage they once were able to.

I don't know what the help Kevin needs would look like anymore. I just hope he can overcome the demons and find joy again.

I hope my response prior to yours didn’t come off as blaming those around him, as if they hadn’t been doing enough. I totally get what you’re saying. My brother’s marriage ended because his wife had addiction issues, and it is such a toll on those trying to pull them back from the brink. I just don’t want to see people poking fun at the situation; I feel sympathy for him still. I obviously don’t know what he or his loved ones have gone through. One of the other local news stations posted this story on Twitter and I could only read a few responses because people are ruthless in the replies. Makes me sick

I think he is just losing it, no? I don’t know if it’s substance abuse or what, he might literally just be going looney. Really sad to see

greggers1868 wrote: ↑

January 31st, 2024, 8:15 pm

Imakeitrain wrote: ↑

January 31st, 2024, 7:51 pm

Kevin has had a lot of support (more than almost anyone I know) and keeps making worse and worse decisions.

All of us, the older we get, the more we have to face the consequences of our actions. When we are young our family and friends can help us get through.

But as we get older the more the burden is on. At some point though if a decision is bad enough, people simply cannot help us even when they would do anything to help us. Those closest to us may also be going through their own personal issues making them less able to carry the emotional baggage they once were able to.

I don't know what the help Kevin needs would look like anymore. I just hope he can overcome the demons and find joy again.

I hope my response prior to yours didn’t come off as blaming those around him, as if they hadn’t been doing enough. I totally get what you’re saying. My brother’s marriage ended because his wife had addiction issues, and it is such a toll on those trying to pull them back from the brink. I just don’t want to see people poking fun at the situation; I feel sympathy for him still. I obviously don’t know what he or his loved ones have gone through. One of the other local news stations posted this story on Twitter and I could only read a few responses because people are ruthless in the replies. Makes me sick

It’s truly tragic how little regard people have for human beings going through tough times.

I didn’t perceive it as you blaming anyone. Blame isn’t helpful here. Kevin received a lot of help but that’s because the Whimpey’s have had a positive impact on those around them.

It’s just that as life gets more complicated there is less that people can do to help and less help that we can offer.

Substance abuse especially makes this difficult.

This may be a best-possible bad outcome. Per the available info, nobody was seriously hurt. The misdeeds are significant enough that the legal end may be enough to have a legally mandated treatment. Amongst the significant challenges with substance abuse or dependence are that loved ones have limited capacity to convince someone to work on changes, and that addiction usually trumps loved relationships. Also, ketamine is not administered similarly to other antidepressants. I hope the man gets on-track.

Loved watching him play, loved listening to him on the radio, disappointed when he wasn’t still on there. He was a big part of the offensive lines that were dominant when things turned around and got better for the team. I hope he can get past his addiction and avoid any more trouble with the law. Prayers for him and his family. God bless brother.

AggieBlues wrote: ↑

January 31st, 2024, 7:13 pm

This is tragic. Hopefully this is the bottom for this beloved Aggie and he can start to get his life back together. Mental health challenges on top of possibly poor pain med management and substance abuse are a tough combination.

I thought he was a great color analyst a few years ago. Hoping to see a redemption arc come out of this.

I don't like the association with Boise State but I know he still loves Utah State. Any criticisms from anyone here about this and you really don't understand how difficult pain management and depression can be. This life isn't easy. I hate to put it this way on a sports message board, but...
2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.
3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?

Bullnamed_gus wrote: ↑

January 31st, 2024, 8:36 pm

I think he is just losing it, no? I don’t know if it’s substance abuse or what, he might literally just be going looney. Really sad to see

Bad take. You're not a psychologist. And even if you are. You haven't done an analysis with him.

sad

Kevin’s been in a bad space for a while now. He’s a good dude who has just made some spiraling poor decisions. I really hope USU steps in to make sure he gets the help he needs.

Ahbye wrote: ↑

January 31st, 2024, 7:56 pm

CTE.

CTE. Some of these guys get addicted to pain meds while playing, I think too.

Remember the famous Max Hall mugshot, where he was shoplifting to feed a drug addiction? Also, the Jr Seau thing?

Really sad this happens to these former players who seemingly have it all.

Really sad. I hope Kevin gets the help he needs.

Very sad. Likely a combination of many factors that I could only guess at (as I have no personal knowledge of his case). I hope he can get some effective help, but I'm not holding my breath - as I'm *guessing* some things are structural/physical and not easily changed.

Tetonkatest wrote: ↑

February 1st, 2024, 8:59 am

Ahbye wrote: ↑

January 31st, 2024, 7:56 pm

CTE.

CTE. Some of these guys get addicted to pain meds while playing, I think too.

Remember the famous Max Hall mugshot, where he was shoplifting to feed a drug addiction? Also, the Jr Seau thing?

Really said this happens to these former players who seemingly have it all.

I really do think these incidents highlight the dark side of football. Don't get me wrong, I love the game, but I still can acknowledge that for some, the sport comes at a great cost. These are classic signs of CTE and substance abuse that probably started off with a legal prescription that has got a grasp over his life. For anyone saying, he needs to grow-up and start making better choices, it's not that simple. I hope he can get the help he needs. I feel nothing but sadness for him and his family.

Ahbye wrote: ↑

January 31st, 2024, 7:56 pm

CTE.

My Aggie brothers please pay attention here. My man knows things. If he's put himself out here by stating "CTE", this is likely the culprit that our Aggie brother Kevin is dealing with.

Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a brain condition thought to be linked to repeated head injuries and blows to the head. It slowly gets worse over time and leads to dementia.

The symptoms of CTE include memory loss, confusion, impaired judgment, impulse control problems, aggression, depression, anxiety, suicidality, parkinsonism, and, eventually, progressive dementia. These symptoms often begin years or even decades after the last brain trauma or end of active athletic involvement.

aggies22 wrote: ↑

February 1st, 2024, 9:32 am

Ahbye wrote: ↑

January 31st, 2024, 7:56 pm

CTE.

My Aggie brothers please pay attention here. My man knows things. If he's put himself out here by stating "CTE", this is likely the culprit that our Aggie brother Kevin is dealing with.

Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a brain condition thought to be linked to repeated head injuries and blows to the head. It slowly gets worse over time and leads to dementia.

The symptoms of CTE include memory loss, confusion, impaired judgment, impulse control problems, aggression, depression, anxiety, suicidality, parkinsonism, and, eventually, progressive dementia. These symptoms often begin years or even decades after the last brain trauma or end of active athletic involvement.

Thank you for this. I agree 100 percent

Ahbye wrote: ↑

January 31st, 2024, 7:56 pm

CTE.

Alrighty then.

Brain issues are so difficult.

Life is such an interesting experience. I know that my past self would look at a news story like this and react similar to those in the social media world. I appreciate those events that put a face to the story. Many times in my life, I have been confronted with situations like this that have reminded me of the humanity in tragedy. Kevin certainly has made poor decisions and caused mischief (the extend of which I have no clue). His life is a wreck, and he is certainly a major part of that. Even with that, I feel for a human who is in a spiral. I hope Kevin can get the help he needs. He has a lot to offer this world.

Let he who has never smoked weed and driven his truck onto the USU football field cast the first stone. Oh, wait....

USU78 wrote: ↑

February 1st, 2024, 9:35 am

Ahbye wrote: ↑

January 31st, 2024, 7:56 pm

CTE.

Alrighty then.

Brain issues are so difficult.

The brain is incredible. There are so many BRILLIANT people on our planet that study the brain every single day and yet we only know a fraction of what it can do and why.

aggies22 wrote: ↑

February 1st, 2024, 9:32 am

Ahbye wrote: ↑

January 31st, 2024, 7:56 pm

CTE.

My Aggie brothers please pay attention here. My man knows things. If he's put himself out here by stating "CTE", this is likely the culprit that our Aggie brother Kevin is dealing with.

Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a brain condition thought to be linked to repeated head injuries and blows to the head. It slowly gets worse over time and leads to dementia.

The symptoms of CTE include memory loss, confusion, impaired judgment, impulse control problems, aggression, depression, anxiety, suicidality, parkinsonism, and, eventually, progressive dementia. These symptoms often begin years or even decades after the last brain trauma or end of active athletic involvement.

I’ve read a lot of research on CTE. (I have a toddler who we think will take after his Mom’s side and they are very big and highly athletic). It’s much more nuanced than the media has reported. Here’s an excellent article on it:

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/394 ... -certainty

That being said, I loved watching the Whimpey bros when they played for the Aggies. The whole situation sounds like it sucks for him and the family.

UStater wrote: ↑

February 1st, 2024, 9:30 am

Tetonkatest wrote: ↑

February 1st, 2024, 8:59 am

Ahbye wrote: ↑

January 31st, 2024, 7:56 pm

CTE.

CTE. Some of these guys get addicted to pain meds while playing, I think too.

Remember the famous Max Hall mugshot, where he was shoplifting to feed a drug addiction? Also, the Jr Seau thing?

Really said this happens to these former players who seemingly have it all.

I really do think these incidents highlight the dark side of football. Don't get me wrong, I love the game, but I still can acknowledge that for some, the sport comes at a great cost. These are classic signs of CTE and substance abuse that probably started off with a legal prescription that has got a grasp over his life. For anyone saying, he needs to grow-up and start making better choices, it's not that simple. I hope he can get the help he needs. I feel nothing but sadness for him and his family.

So are these substance abuse issues frying Brains for football?

I lean towards the former. Although some people really do see the impacts of football. It’s not nearly as often as people make it out to be. Not every former football player is losing it like this. Some do, sure. But this war on football in the media is wild to me.

I think we have a serious substance abuse issue with former players that impacts guys much more than CTE

aggies22 wrote: ↑

February 1st, 2024, 9:32 am

Ahbye wrote: ↑

January 31st, 2024, 7:56 pm

CTE.

My Aggie brothers please pay attention here. My man knows things. If he's put himself out here by stating "CTE", this is likely the culprit that our Aggie brother Kevin is dealing with.

Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a brain condition thought to be linked to repeated head injuries and blows to the head. It slowly gets worse over time and leads to dementia.

The symptoms of CTE include memory loss, confusion, impaired judgment, impulse control problems, aggression, depression, anxiety, suicidality, parkinsonism, and, eventually, progressive dementia. These symptoms often begin years or even decades after the last brain trauma or end of active athletic involvement.

Dammit. So sorry to hear this.

aggies22 wrote: ↑

February 1st, 2024, 9:32 am

Ahbye wrote: ↑

January 31st, 2024, 7:56 pm

CTE.

My Aggie brothers please pay attention here. My man knows things. If he's put himself out here by stating "CTE", this is likely the culprit that our Aggie brother Kevin is dealing with.

Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a brain condition thought to be linked to repeated head injuries and blows to the head. It slowly gets worse over time and leads to dementia.

The symptoms of CTE include memory loss, confusion, impaired judgment, impulse control problems, aggression, depression, anxiety, suicidality, parkinsonism, and, eventually, progressive dementia. These symptoms often begin years or even decades after the last brain trauma or end of active athletic involvement.

I've spent the bulk of my adult life working in the Neurodiagnostic medical devices industry. There are studies dating back to the 1960's recognizing the damage done to the brain in certain sports. Initially, the culprit was boxing, but then turned to football once it became America's sport.

From a fan's perspective, we look at the big hits delivered by a free safety on a WR over the middle, or a LB meeting head on with the RB in the gap; but it's the offensive and defensive lineman who are usually at the most risk as they slam heads on every play. Every single play - sixty plus times every game, every weekday practice, for years. According to one of my neurologist colleagues in Miami who began studying the effects of TBI in the 70's, this mimics the repeated jabbing of a boxing match where the damage isn't wrought by a single vicious hit, but built up over time, with thousands and thousands of blows to the head.

To this day, Troy Aikman doesn't remember the 1993 NFC Championship game after he was knocked out late in the first half.

I've long wondered if it wasn't head trauma instead of rroids causing the rroid rage.

i remember looking at a linemans helmet in hs, and wondering why is was so scuffed up!!! it was beat up pretty bad, and then i realized the same thing as floridaaggie13 that they are in constant contact with someone else!!.

tipitup wrote: ↑

February 4th, 2024, 12:00 pm

i remember looking at a linemans helmet in hs, and wondering why is was so scuffed up!!! it was beat up pretty bad, and then i realized the same thing as floridaaggie13 that they are in constant contact with someone else!!.

It was a mark of honor when I played. A scuffed up helmet meant you were competent and doing your job.