COLLEGE STATION, Texas — Texas A&M basketball coach Billy Kennedy said Thursday he is in the early stages of Parkinson’s disease.
Kennedy took a leave of absence from the team this month to undergo testing after experiencing neck and shoulder pain for several months that led to an inability to sleep regularly. The tests revealed Kennedy was in the early stages of Parkinson’s disease, a progressive disorder of the nervous system that affects movement.
“I am heeding the advice of my doctors and addressing the disease and its symptoms,” Kennedy said. “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.”
Associate head coach Glynn Cyprien took over when Kennedy took his leave and will continue to be in charge of the team.
“We have a good prognosis,” Kennedy said. “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.”
Kennedy, 47, was hired from Murray State in May after Mark Turgeon left to become coach at Maryland. The Associated Press
