COLLEGE STATION, Texas, Oct. 27 (UPI) -- Texas A&M men's basketball Coach Billy Kennedy said Thursday he has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and the school said he will take medical leave.
"Through testing, it has been discovered that I am dealing with an early stage of Parkinson's disease," Kennedy said in a statement. "At this time, I am heeding the advice of my doctors and addressing the disease and its symptoms.
"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."
Glynn Cyprien, Kennedy's chief assistant, will take over the team until Kennedy is able to return from medical leave.
Kennedy is in his first year with the school, where he succeeds Mark Turgeon, who left to coach at Maryland. Kennedy, 47, led Murray Sate to a 107-53 record during the last five years and twice was named coach of the year in the Ohio Valley Conference.
