"Call for Clemency: Former Coach Urges Governor to Spare Death Row Inmate"

Missouri's execution protocol allows for "surgery without anesthesia" if finding a suitable vein for lethal injection doesn't work, raising concerns of cruel and unusual punishment for condemned inmate Brian Dorsey. His lawyers argue that the procedure, which involves an incision to find a vein, would be excruciating and violate his constitutional rights. Dorsey's attorneys are seeking clemency and have appeals pending, while also questioning the qualifications of the state's acting corrections director overseeing the execution.