Texas A&M men’s basketball head coach Billy Kennedy announced on Thursday that he has been diagnosed with early-stage Parkinson’s disease. Kennedy also announced through a school news release that he will be leaving the organization to undergo treatment.
According to Kennedy he was experiencing neck and shoulder pain for several months and he was finding it hard to sleep which lead to eventual exhaustion.
“I am heeding the advice of my doctors and addressing the disease and its symptoms,” Kennedy said in a statement. “We have begun a long-term treatment plan and recovery. My doctors are encouraged and are telling me I will be able to come back soon.”
Kennedy went on to note:
“We have a good prognosis,” and “My intention is to return to the court as soon as it is prudent. Until my return, I have great confidence in coach Cyprien and the staff I have assembled to lead this great group of young men and this basketball program.”
Associate head coach Glynn Cyprien will run the team in Kennedy’s absence.
At this time the school is fully supporting Kennedy and according to Texas A&M athletic director Bill Byrne
“Our foremost concern is for Coach Kennedy and his family” while adding, “I fully expect Billy to have a long and illustrious coaching career here in Aggieland when he is cleared to return to the court. Meanwhile, I have confidence in the staff Billy has hired and in our basketball team. I’m anxious to get the season started and to get Billy back on the basketball court as well.”
At this time Kennedy is not speaking directly to the press about his condition or plans for the future.
Our best wishes go out to Kennedy and his family.
