Players, fans give heartfelt reaction to Gary Pinkel's retirement
A battle with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma has forced Missouri head coach Gary Pinkel to retire.
Pinkel won 117 games in 15 seasons as the Tigers’ head coach and 190 in his coaching career.
We’re sending our love and support to @GaryPinkel in his battle with lymphoma. pic.twitter.com/1kjUhkuSkp
— Mizzou (@Mizzou) November 13, 2015
Following Pinkel’s announcement, a host of former Missouri players tweeted their reactions:
This sums up exactly how I’m feeling about my head coach, @GaryPinkel right now. pic.twitter.com/RPKtkDVaBr
— T.J. Moe (@TJMoe28) November 13, 2015
Never thought I would hear such terrible news about coach pinkel. Prayers for him and my Mizzou family
— Shane Ray (@X_RAYted56) November 13, 2015
Walk the walk like @GaryPinkel does! One of the best human beings I have ever been around! Praying for you and ur family coach!
— Jeremy Maclin (@jmac___19) November 13, 2015
@GaryPinkel love ya GP!
— Jeremy Maclin (@jmac___19) November 13, 2015
Saddened by the news, but more thankful for this man helping me become a better man today #Mizzou @GaryPinkel pic.twitter.com/cXx2or7O2d
— Henry Josey (@I_AM_HENRYJOSEY) November 13, 2015
Get well @GaryPinkel much love man! #Mizzou
— Henry Josey (@I_AM_HENRYJOSEY) November 13, 2015
@GaryPinkel thank you for everything you have done for me. You gave me a family that I so desperately needed and for that I am grateful.
— Michael Sam (@MichaelSamNFL) November 13, 2015
Praying for Coach Pinkel his family and the rest of the #Mizzou family
— Lucas Vincent (@CoachLVincent) November 13, 2015
Outgoing Missouri chancellor R. Bowen Loftin also tweeted his support for the longtime Tigers coach.
Please join me in supporting @GaryPinkel as he deals with a personal challenge. I wish him only the best! #MizzouMade — R. Bowen Loftin (@bowtieger) November 13, 2015
Associate athletic director Tim Hickman had kind words about Pinkel.
Good man. Has been great to work with. https://t.co/QASwERja8u — Tim Hickman (@hickmantl) November 13, 2015
An unnamed Missouri fan tweeted this tribute to Pinkel.
Thank you Gary Pinkel, you are #MizzouMadepic.twitter.com/7XxZYjcOV8 — Represent Mizzou (@RepresentMizzou) November 13, 2015
A local TV reporter indicated she was stunned when she heard the news.
My jaw is just as low to the ground as yours about the Pinkel news.
— Ashley Zavala (@ZavalaA) November 13, 2015
On Thursday, Denver Broncos linebacker Shane Ray talked about his former coach to Lindsay Jones of USA Today. Following Pinkel’s announcement, Jones shared Ray’s thoughts on Twitter.
Shane Ray said these things about Gary Pinkel on Thursday, but his comments especially poignant today. pic.twitter.com/VpFfjeMyiZ
— Lindsay Jones (@bylindsayhjones) November 13, 2015
