Former Collins High School head boys’ basketball coach Chris Gaither is under investigation by the Kentucky State Police after a former student manager of the team accused Gaither of grooming and inappropriate behavior.
According to WDRB, Gaither was suspended following the allegations and fired in January. He appealed the termination and reached a settlement with the school district. Per the agreement, neither Gaither nor the district must admit fault, Gaither is allowed to “resign” and he will be paid $38,000 of his salary from the original termination in January to present. Gaither may not apply for another job in the Shelby County Public School District.
Hayley Murphy Weddle, the former student manager of the boys’ basketball team, sent a letter to the Shelby County Board of Education in December, detailing allegations that Gaither groomed her while she was a student at Collins High School.
Weddle claims that in 2012, Gaither “frequently pulled her out of class, texted her outside of school and basketball activities and asked questions about her sexual history.”
She also alleged that in 2014, after she had graduated, Weddle kissed her and “persuaded her to have sex.”
“Allowing him to go back into the classroom would be a huge disservice to me, the girls who have similar stories involving him and future female students,” Weddle said in the letter. “I understand now that this man is a predator, and he should be held responsible for his actions.”
In a statement, KSP said, “KSP Post 12 remains committed to investigating this matter and is seeking further information.”
