Mom accepts late son Gary Tinsley's degree

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- The mother of Minnesota Gophers football player Gary Tinsley says it was an emotional decision for her to accept their late son's bachelor's degree.

But in the end, Tinsley's parents, Ronda Evans and Gary Tinsley Sr., say it was the right thing to do for their son.

The starting linebacker was found unresponsive in his dorm April 6. The 22-year-old Tinsley died of an enlarged heart a month before graduation.

The St. Paul Pioneer Press reports Tinsley's parents both walked up to the stage, and his mother received his degree Thursday at the University of Minnesota spring commencement at Mariucci Arena.

Tinsley earned a degree in business and marketing. His mother says he was planning on opening a clothing store after he was done pursuing a pro football career.

Information from: St. Paul Pioneer Press

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